Briarcliff Baseball Hopes to Get Back to Title Game

Last year saw a dramatic season for the varsity baseball squad as it made it to the Section 1 Class B championship game, ultimately losing in an extra-inning thriller to Kennedy Catholic, 7-6.

This year, Coach John Consorti feels his squad, which has split its first four games, is right where it should be at this early point in the season.

“We have a bit of youth in the lineup, we have a whole bunch of new starters but we do have some guys back from last year’s sectional finalist team,” Consorti said. “I would think we are headed in the right direction—hopefully we’ll keep improving every day and by the end of the year be ready for the playoffs.”

Some of those returning players are pitchers: Junior Paul Henshaw, Senior Josh Miller and Junior Mike Pandolfo, who has been injured.

Henshaw leads the way on the mound for the Bears with a 2-0 record, a 1.17 ERA, 13 strikeouts and just three walks in 12 innings pitched.

“They are probably the most experienced part of our team,” Consorti said. “We went into last year with a whole new pitching staff basically. Those were the three coming back. They now have a year of experience. Usually they give us an opportunity to have a chance to win every time they go out there.”

Leading the Bears at the plate is junior John Fussell, who is a middle infielder that is playing second base right now. Fussell is tops on the team this year in batting average (.571), RBI (eight) and homers (one).

“He’s one of our power hitters and he’s also a good contact hitter,” Consorti said. “He usually hits the ball hard. He had four home runs with 24 RBI last season. He’s someone we count on to supply some power.”

Two other key returning starters along with Fussell are seniors, third baseman Zach Ship, who is batting at a .455 clip and right fielder Steve Hemberger.

Sophomore Ryan Huegel (.500 batting average), sophomore Spencer Kulman (.455), junior Colin Orr (.333, seven RBI) and sophomore Lou Carrafiello are seeing starting time this year after being part-time players last season.

“The experience of being a sophomore or freshman on the team last year was pretty vital for them,” Consorti said. “Now they get pretty much a full shot this year. Then some seniors who didn’t play too much last year like a Max Winter (.429) and a Brendan Weinstein, they are in the same boat. They are getting their opportunity this year. The experience of being on the team last year was vital as well.”

While Consorti is confident in his squad, whether or not it can get back to Dutchess Stadium for the sectional championship game is an unknown at this point.

“For us it’s kind of early to say, but once you get into tournament play it kind of changes,” Consorti said. “Last year we got hot at the right time. Hopefully that is the case this year. We have a ways to go, but there is always that possibility.”