Mustangs Mercied in Road Loss to Jackson Memorial

JACKSON — Brick Memorial entered the A-South game Monday afternoon with confidence.

Coming off back-t0-back wins, both of which included stellar pitching performances, the 'Stangs' (2-2) confidence leaked into the first inning of their game, scoring a run in the top of the first, taking a 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately, that lead would not hold up, as Jackson Memorial (3-0) would score at least one run in all six innings at bat, mercying the Mustangs by a score of 14-4 through six and 2/3 innings at Jackson Memorial High School.

"I honestly expected more out of our guys today," Brick Memorial head coach Evan Rizzitello said. "I feel like we're ready to play at this level but we didn't get it done today."

Mustangs starter Kevin Corris lasted just two innings, allowing five earned runs on five hits while striking out one batter.

The Jaguars did most of their damage in the third and fourth innings, scoring four and five runs, respectively, to take a commanding 9-4 lead.

After falling down 5-1, the 'Stangs responded with a three-run third inning to draw within a run. Ray Triano led the inning off with a double to center field, and Spencer Cohen followed that with an infield single.

After Mike Rytelewski was hit by a pitch, junior Kevin Nilsen plated two with an RBI single but was thrown out in an attempt to advance to second.

Catcher Chris Austin would score Rytelewski from third when he grounded out to second base.

Senior Mike Salerno pitched three innings in relief for Brick Memorial and gave up six runs overall, three being earned. He also struck out a batter, walked one and hit one batter.

"They kept tacking on runs," Rizzitello said. "We said we can't give them more than three outs in an inning, but we did."

Mike O'Neill also pitched the final 2/3 in relief for the 'Stangs, allowing three earned runs and recording two outs.

The third inning was highlighted by Spencer Cohen gunning down a runner at home to end the inning, while freshman Kyle Cala made a diving catch in the fourth inning.

Rytelewski was the star for the Mustangs, going two-for-two and being hit by a pitch. The captain was also a leader on the infield throughout the day.

With the loss, Brick Memorial falls to 2-2, with both losses coming off perennial powerhouses in Jackson Memorial and Toms River South.

"If you want to look at it that way, it's a positive," Rizzitello said.

Rytelewski opened the scoring with a two-out double in the top of the first. He was batted in by Nilsen, who also torched the ball to right-center. Nilsen lead the team with 3 RBI.

The Mustangs will look to get back to their winning ways on Wednesday, April 13 when they travel to Toms River North to take on the Mariners at 3:45 p.m.