The Verona baseball team finished on a positive note when they beat Sussex Tech, in Sparta, to move to 12-12 on the season. Jon Tosh went 7 innings in the 4-0 shutout. The Hillbillies went on a 5 game winning streak to end the season beating Sussex Tech, Bergen Tech, Columbia, Glen Ridge, St. Benedicts, and Orange.

Pitching was the strength for Verona, led by seniors Jon Tosh, Luke Sniatkowski, and Dean Denicola. Tosh led the rotation in wins and innings pitched, while Sniatkowski led the team in strikeouts and ERA. Dean Denicola had memorable games including his one run loss against West Essex, and his eight-inning shut-out against Caldwell conference champions.

Although the Hillbillies came up short when it came to making the playoffs this season, there were many bright spots this spring. One highlight was beating rival Cedar Grove at Jackals Stadium on the campus of Montclair State for the first time in six years.

“It felt great to win in front of a big crowd and beat Cedar Grove in my last time facing them,” said senior captain Luke Sniatkowski. Sniatkowski pitched a one two three seventh, after six innings of three hit ball by Jon Tosh.

While the Hillbillies struggled to score runs, junior Matt Rubbins led the team in batting average (.375) with Sniatkowski following close behind (.373).  Jon Tosh led the team in RBIs with 16 and Mike Coppolla led the team with five doubles.

Although it will be tough for the Hillbillies to replace their strong senior pitching, Coach Racioppe will look for junior Max Vasile and young infielders like Rubins, Coppolla and stellar centerfielder Tommy Denicola to lead the team next spring.