TOMS RIVER -- Despite arguably their most impressive comeback of the season, Brick Memorial (4-8) could not pull off an upset win over Toms River North in the first round of the Ocean County Tournament.
After falling behind 5-0 in the bottom of the first, the Mustangs battled their way back with three runs in the third inning and two more in the fourth to tie the game at 5.
The Mariners answered with three runs in the bottom of the fifth – all with two outs -- on back-to-back home runs to left field, winning the game, 8-5, on Saturday afternoon at Ryan Field at Toms River North High School.
"We were able to hang in there," Mustangs head coach Evan Rizzitello said. "We had a nice long talk after [our loss to Toms River] East and I think talking about failure and getting behind really helped us today."
Pitcher Mike Nebesne started for Brick Memorial, but lasted just 2/3 of an inning, allowing five runs – two earned – on two hits.
He walked three batters – including two with the bases loaded to bring in his two eanred runs – and hit another in the inning. He also threw a wild pitch and two more runs scored on a dropped fly ball in left field.
Joe Civello came on in relief of Nebesne and was outstanding, throwing four strong innings, striking out three batters, and allowing three runs on six hits.
All three runs were by home runs.
"He did an outstanding job coming in relief there," Rizzitello said. "As long as we're not walking guys, we're good with it."
Kevin Corris came in to pitch the final 1 1/3 innings, not allowing a hit, walking a batter and striking out another.
Joe Civello opened the third inning with a double to left center. After being lifted for pinch-runner Spencer Cohen, Ray Triano advanced the runner to third while safely arriving at third on an error at shortstop.
Kevin Nilsen drove in Joe Cohen two batters later with two outs to put the Mustangs on the scoreboard.
Mike Martone and Zack Santos hit RBI singles to right and center field, respectivley, putting Brick Memorial back into the game at 5-3.
Rob Harzer opened the fourth inning with a double, followed by a single by Joe Civello to continue the rally. After two consecutive outs, captain Mike Rytelewski hit a two RBI double to deep center field, tying the game at 5.
Nilsen was unable to drive Rytelewski home, grounding out to second base. Santos had a strong day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles.
The Mustangs rallied in the top of the seventh inning, but came up short.
After Santos rocketed a one-out double to right-center field, Ryan Civello drew a walk, but neither Chris Austin or Corris were able to plate a runner.
"We'll take any positives out of any game we can," Rizzitello said. "With the new rules in the state you don't have to be over .500 to qualify for the tournament and we have a lot of baseball next week. We'll see what happens."
