Livingston vs. Bridgewater Raritan: Group 4 Semifinal Preview

The Livingston Lancers (22-7-1) hit the road Wednesday and take on Bridgewater-Raritan (28-3) for a chance to advance to the Group 4 state finals. We have seen both teams on Big State Sports this year, and now they are squaring off for the first time! First pitch is set for 4 pm, and the winner will take on either Jackson Memorial or Eastern for the final on Saturday night. 

How they got there:

The Lancers advanced past Montclair in grand style Monday afternoon. Junior Max Peri took the mound for his first start in nearly three weeks. Peri had been sidelined since feeling soreness in his arm during a game against Seton Hall Prep on May 18th. You would have never known he missed time watching him Monday going six strong innings, allowing two runs on eight hits.

After Montclair tied the game in the top of the 7th inning, Massimo Depaola provided the fireworks, lacing a walk-off single to propel Livingston to the Group 4 final.

The Panthers took down Hunterdon Central 2-0 to advance after a dominant pitching performance from Jack Lanum. The Junior allowed no runs, and only one hit over his 4 innings of work. Michael Taylor tossed a scoreless 5th, and Bridgewater-Raritan called on Cory Rible to nail down the six-out save. Hunterdon Central couldn’t touch Rible as the Senior didn’t allow a hit, struck three, and only needed 20 pitches to close it out.  

The Panthers pushed across their first run of the game after Joe Spirra’s one-out sac fly in the bottom of the 2nd. The ballgame remained scoreless until the bottom of the 6th inning. Matt Chichoki beat out an infield single to start off the inning. The Junior immediately swiped 2nd for his 25th stolen bag on the season.

JR Rosado moved the runner over after grounding out to the right side of the infield. Chickoki came home on a wild pitch, adding some insurance and making it 2-0 after it was all said and done.

Final Thoughts

The Panthers have won 12 straight games and come into the game as the favorite to advance behind their electric pitching staff. Bridgewater-Raritan has outscored their opponents 18-0. You read that right; they have not allowed a single run since the tournament began.

Livingston will look to break that streak with EJ Frayne and company being one of the most patient lineups in the state this year. The Lancers have pieced together 155 walks with three players (Robbie Lynn, Julian Schultz, and Alex Yang), combining for 76 of those walks. 

The Panthers come in as the hot team, but the Lancers also know how to find a way to win. All eyes will be on the Livingston hitters against this dominant Panthers pitching staff.