'Stangs Take A Loss in First Round of State Playoffs

JACKSON – If there was ever a span of time that a given pitcher would like to have back, that would be the second inning for Mustangs pitcher Kevin Nilsen on Monday afternoon.

Nilsen was nearly perfect in Brick Memorial's first round NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV state playoff game against Jackson Memorial, but allowed five hits and all four of his earned run in the bottom of the second inning, most notably allowing a three-run home run down the right field line to give the Jaguars the comfortable 4-0 lead.

Jackson Memorial would eventually win, 4-1, at home.

Otherwise, however, Nilsen allowed no runs on nine total and retired the final eight Jaguars batters in order.

He also struck out four and walked two batters, for the 14-seeded Mustangs.

"Kevin [Nilsen] has been our best pitcher this year," Brick Memorial head coach Evan Rizzitello said. "He did a phenomonal job outside of that second inning."

Despite the pitching performance, Brick Memorial struggled to offer run support, although they did have several chances throughout the game to drive in runs.

In a scoreless game in the top of the second, the 'Stangs had runners at second and third base with one out but were unable to tally any runs.

Ray Triano and Ryan Civello each ripped singles to center, and after Joe Civello's sacrifice bunt moved the runners over to second and third, Mike Martone struck out and Kyle Cala grounded out to short stop to end the inning.

Joe Civello led off the top of the fifth inning by reaching first on a throwing error, which was followed by a walk from Zack Santos.

Cala then grounded into a fielder's choice at second base – where Santos appeared to be safe – and Mike Matteo struck out after a long at-bat and Mike Rytelewski flew out to left field to end the inning.

The 'Stangs were back at it in the sixth as Spencer Cohen and Kevin Nilsen opened the inning with back-to-back singles. Triano then grounded into a 1-6-3 double play to cut the rally short.

Cohen eventually scored as Ryan Civello beat out an infield single up the middle, accounting for Brick Memorial's only run.

"We had three innings were we had a rally started, guys in scoring position and we were just looking for that one hit," Rizzitello said. "We just couldn't get it done today."

The loss is Brick Memorial's third to Jackson Memorial this season. They were mercied on the road, 14-4 in the team's first match-up, but battled the Jaguars close, losing 7-6 at home two weeks ago.

"We really haven't been able to get over the hump this year," Rizzitello said. "I think the boys battled really hard today and we put the bat on the ball."

The Mustangs are scheduled to play Tuesday night, on the road against Point Boro at 6 p.m.