As the high school baseball season hits the final week, Verona notched two victories on Tuesday with a double-header sweep in Belleville.
The Hillbillies, in one of their best offensive games of the spring, pounded out 17 hits in the opening game on their way to an 18-3 triumph. It was a good day for senior starters as third baseman Kris Jones picked up three hits and seven RBI, and center fielder Eric Kaptein also provided three hits, including a home run. Senior center fielder Nick Looney had two hits and three RBI, while senior shortstop Tim Kiernan had two hits in the victory.
Right-hander Dean DeNicola earned the victory, allowing five hits over five innings.
In the nightcap, junior Jonathan Tosh tossed a four-hit shutout as Verona edged the Buccaneers, 1-0. The Hillbillies managed just three hits in the second contest and scored the winning run after Kiernan reached on a base-on-balls and stole second and third bases. He scored on a throwing error as Verona executed the first-and-third, double-steal play.
Verona stands at 14-9 on the season and plays a Super Essex Conference division game at 4 p.m. today at Caldwell High School.
Meanwhile in softball, it was a bittersweet day for seniors Jenna Atmeh and Sarah Frawley. The two accepted flowers and accolades at Senior Day, but their team fell 5-2 to West Orange. Atmeh pitched and had a hit to her credit, while Jill Cumming and Ellen DiDia scored.
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