Brick American Bulldogs, Southern NJ State Champs, Defeated in Regionals

Despite being defeated in the Mid-Atlantic Regionals held in Basking Ridge, the Southern NJ Cal Ripken State Champion Brick American Bulldogs said the experience will better prepare them for future games.

On Friday, Aug 2, Brick played Warrington, the SE PA champion, and were defeated 10-4. 

In the second game on Saturday, the Bulldogs played Audubon, the NW PA champ, and were defeated 7-0.

On Sunday, the team took on Hickory, the Maryland champ for the last four years.  They finished second last year to Hopewell Valley in the Regionals.  The Bulldogs led 7-3 after five innings because of excellent hitting by Sean Beck and Michael Murphy. 

Pitcher TJ Paturzo only gave up three runs in five innings.  In the 6th inning, Hickory scored five runs to win the game 8-7.

Our last game Sunday was Basking Ridge.  Even with a homerun in the first inning by Graham Harrigan, the Bulldogs trailed 2-1 after four innings.

In the fifth inning, Matt Terkildsen hit a two-run homer and Brick won 3-2.  Joey Terkildsen was the winning pitcher. Sean Beck,  9 hits for 14 at bats. Michael Murphy, 6 for 12, TJ Paturzo, 5 for 15, had excellent regionals. Nick Manso played a stellar defense in centerfield.

The team was managed by Ray Mannon, assistant coach Jeff Thompson, pitching coach Gene Carafa and practice coach John Fuehrer.  Tom Nerney is the president of Brick American, which is a Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken affiliate.

Cal Ripken baseball is played on a 50/70 field.  Cal Ripken/ Babe Ruth baseball is open to all Brick residents.