Dragons' Young Baseball Squad Gaining Experience This Summer

Fresh off winning the 2011 Ocean County Tournament, the Brick Dragons baseball team has began to look to fill many holes from the former senior-laden team.

The Dragons have so far compiled a record of 3-4-1 with one game remaining to be played in the American Legion summer league.

"I don't think our record really indicates how well we have performed," said Brick head coach Jason Groschel. "(Legion play) always has a ton of kids coming and going, whether its from other travel teams, vacation, work, fall sports conditioning; there are plenty of things the kids are up to."

Most impressive has been the pitching staff, Groschel said.

Dan Mnich, sophomore Evan Lobato, and Jake Voorhees have contributed on the mound. Brandon Kieslor was dominant in his one performance, yielding just one run, but has been busy with summer workouts for football as well.

John Kizzman has also thrown from the mound, something he did not do this spring.

"Offensively we have struggled a bit, but two of our big bats have been on the road with their travel teams," said Groschel.

Bill Berg and Tyler Iannarone, two players who regulary saw time in the lineup during the spring 2011 season, have been seeing plenty of action with their travel teams.

"They might not be here with us, but they are getting the experience, that's really the key," Groschel noted.

One of the biggest impacts has been made by Evan Lobato. The rising sophomore has been playing as a short stop as well pitching for the Dragons.

"I think the group of seniors who just graduated caused a lot of excitement and the younger guys fed off that," said Groschel. "Hope that is something that these guys can use to springboard and continue."