Thursday, October 1, 2026
This could be the year to paint the town red.
Plainedge’s baseball team has one aim in mind after losing in the Nassau County Class A semifinals to Seaford following a 17-1 conference-title-winning record.
All the big guns are back as the Red Devils boast a dozen seniors and three Division I prospects, including senior star pitcher, Taylor Nitsch, who has committed to Towson State.
Plainedge raced to an 8-0 start, including an emphatic revenge sweep of Seaford, 5-4 and 8-0 on April 8 and 9. The North Massapequa squad is scorching.
“That’s obviously the end goal for us to win the county title and LIC, especially returning all the starters. Nitsch said. “We have real good shot at winning that this year. It’s only seven games and plenty of season to go. But we feel good as a team, great team chemistry and feel confident.”
The two other Division I players are also pitchers, Jaxson Torres, who is mulling multiple offers, and lefty Bobby Wescott, headed to Stony Brook and recently promoted from the bullpen to third starter.
“Three Division I players - with that type of talent we expect to have the opportunity to pull out a win each day,’’ longtime Plainedge coach Colin Fratrik said. “I’m happy the way the kids have responded.’’
It’s been quite a spring break for Nitsch, who pitched a five-inning no-hitter against North Shore April 4 when he faced the minimum number of batters. In the first inning, a baserunner reached on an error and got thrown out stealing.
“I was getting ahead in counts and throwing strike one,’’ Nitsch said. “It’s a great feeling but testament to the coaches, team and catchers.’’
Then Nitsch's encore was equally spectacular, shutting down Seaford April 9, notching 16 strikeouts in 6.2 innings of shutout ball.
Nitsch is now 3-0 with 37 strikeouts in 16 innings with an ERA of 2.18. Last season, he threw a perfect game against North Shore. He has a slider curveball, changeup and throw in the 88-90 mph range.
Nitsch hopes to win a Long Island championship, then continue his success at Towson. “I felt they had the best facilities and opportunity to develop me as a player,’’ Nitsch said.
Meanwhile, Torres, a junior, is surging on the mound and as DH. He’s 3-0 with 32 strikeouts and a 0.875 ERA. He’s also batting .529 with 1 home run, two doubles and 11 RBI.
Then there is Wescott, excelling as third starter with occasional bullpen use. He became a starter to replace injured Matt Sharon.
Wescott also is the first baseman and hitting .412 with a home run and 5 RBI. He’s been in the 3-4 spot in the order since freshman year.
“He’s a big power hitter,’’ Fratrik said. “Tremendous power to all field. Just a really good hitter and I think he’ll be successful next year at Stony Brook.’’
Another two-way star is senior catcher Jayden Gaghan, batting .350 with 3 home runs and 14 RBI. “He’s one of the best defensive catchers in the county,’’ Fratrik said. “Being able to handle some of the top pitcher with two guys touching 90 and controlling the game and run game with his arm strength and not allowing passed balls. The confidence the pitchers have in him is tremendous.’’
In the first seven wins, senior third baseman Mike Calapai was batting .580 with an on-base percentage of .808.
There are many signs pointing to Plainedge’s first Nassau County title since 2012.
