Bishop Ahr's Jr. Legion squad drops game to S. Brunswick
Team's record stands at 9-5
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
The Bishop Ahr Junior American Legion baseball team fell to 9-5 on the season after last week's 4-2 loss to the league's top team, South Brunswick.

"We've been playing a lot of good baseball this summer," Bishop Ahr head coach Scott Runkel said. "The core players on this summer's club have shown a lot of dedication, and the experience this summer will prove to be valuable for both players and coaches."

Runkel, the varsity coach at the high school during the spring, is joined by junior varsity coach Mark Fiore in the dugout this summer. Both Runkel and Fiore have been impressed by the players soon to be embarking on their senior seasons at Bishop Ahr.

"We're leaning on a number of juniors and sophomores this summer," Runkel said. "We've had some kids missing due to a number of circumstances, but we've still been able to play well and be one of the stronger teams in the league."

Leadoff hitter Dan Misdea has been one of the team's top performers. Misdea is seeing action at shortstop and in left field this summer. He leads the team in hits and runs.

Junior Tom Lancey has been improving his offensive game this summer while playing exceptional defense in the outfield. In the infield, sophomore Joe Post has the team's best batting average this summer. Lancey is seeing action at both middle infield positions this summer.

"Joe has really been the heart of the team," Runkel said. "He played a lot of second base for us during the spring season, and it has been a good summer for him in terms of getting more time at short."

Junior Don Laporta was the team's backup second baseman during the spring and is spending a good deal of the summer season at third.

"Don is getting a lot of swings this summer," Runkel said. "His hitting is definitely improving."

Third baseman Steve Kaiser and catcher Nick McConnell have also been mainstays of the Bishop Ahr infield. Kaiser has also seen time in the outfield and on the mound.

"Steve has done well pitching this season," Runkel said. "He's probably one of our more versatile players. We can pretty much use him anywhere in the lineup."

Also seeing significant mound time is James DeChristopher and Chris Godowski. DeChristopher, one of the team's top hurlers this season, has been steadily improving his offensive game. Another one of Runkel's versatile players, DeChristopher sees action at first base or centerfield when not on the mound. Godowski has been in the outfield when not pitching.

Also seeing time at first base is junior Tom Lacik. Lacik has primarily been stationed in right field in the past.

"We like to move kids around quite a bit to see how versatile they can be," Runkel said. "Versatility can only improve a ball club."

Bishop Ahr will have its hands full this week with some stiff competition on the schedule. The team will be in action tomorrow at 5:45 p.m. when it travels to Monroe.