Kreiger Goes the Distance for Braves in Win

It did not take long for the Manalapan boys baseball team to prove they are one of New Jersey's elite teams on Monday, May 9.

Facing division rival Howell for the second time, the Braves drew three walks to load the bases in the bottom of the first inning, capped off by a grand slam to right field by Marco Ferrante, as Manalapan cruised to a 8-1 home win.

The offense provided the first inning would be more than enough for starting pitcher Nick Kreiger. The senior threw a complete game, allowing one run on seven hits and struck out five batters in the victory.

"That's the ideal start," Manalapan head coach Brian Boyce said, "[Howell pitcher Dan Watson] had trouble locating a little bit and Marco [Ferrante] put a good swing on the ball, and the short porch in right always helps a little bit."

The Braves padded their lead in the third inning, loading the bases with no outs on a double from Kreiger, a single by Alex Decastro to center field and Chris Baird drew a walk.

"With a 4-0 lead, they're forced to play catch-up, which is probably advantageous," Boyce said.

Kreiger would score on a ground out to second base by Brian Lamboy and Decastro scored as the Braves successfully executed a suicide squeeze with Ferrante at the plate.

Jake Winston would later notch an RBI, reaching first base on an infield single to  the short stop, giving the Braves a comfortable 7-1 advantage mid-way through the game.

Joseph Lizama drove in a run, as well, in the sixth inning, with a single to center field that scored Lamboy. Lamboy reached second base with a one-out double to left field.

"Our strength is that we pitch, hit and play defense well," Boyce said, "We have nine, ten, or eleven guys that can do that well and it makes us a tough opponent."

Ferrante lead the way for the Braves with 5 RBI, going 2-3. 

Kreiger was able to get out of any trouble he faced all day on the mound. After surrendering back-to-back hits to open the fourth inning, he struck out Howell's Brody High then forced the Rebels' Nikhil Porecha to ground into the inning ending 5-4-3 double play.

The Braves will hit the road on Wednesday, as they travel to Toms River South to take on the Indians at 3:45 p.m.