The second matchup of the day will be the Group 2 final, with feature Pascack Valley (23-8) vs. Governor Livingston (27-5). The two schools have not faced one another since 2015 when all of the players in tomorrow’s game were at or under the age of 10 years old. Coincidentally, 2015 was also the last time Governor Livingston captured a state title. 

Tale of the Tape

The Panthers have not lost a game since falling to St Joe’s (Montvale) exactly one month ago on May 8th. During that span, they have won nine straight, outscoring their opponents 64-12, determined to hoist the state trophy for the first time in their school’s history. 

On the road at Caldwell, Pascack Valley quickly found themselves in a 2-0 deficit after the 1st inning. They did not allow another run the rest of the game as Sam and Max Stalb each drove in a pair to lead the Panthers to a 6-2 win in the Semifinals. 

The Highlanders advanced to the Group 2 finals with a dominant win on the road at Seneca on Wednesday. After the 1st inning, Governor Livingston scored eight straight runs to power their way to a 10-2 win. Three of the starters (Zach Geertsma, Mike Basile, and Dominic Labisi) drove in two runs each, including Basile’s solo shot in the 4th.

Probable Pitchers

The Panthers are set up to send out their ace, JT Deriso, to shut down a dangerous Highlanders lineup. Deriso has been nearly untouchable in his Junior year, going 10-2 with a 0.97 ERA. In 65 innings pitched this season, he has 67 strikeouts and only 16 walks. The South Paw from River Vale is one more quality start away from becoming a state champion.

Governor Livingston’s starter is more up in the air due to pitch count rules in the NJSIAA. Matty Diskkin has been one of coach Chris Roof’s go-to pitchers this year. Diskin is 7-0 with a 3.08 ERA in his 47.2 innings pitched, which ranks 2nd to Highlander ace Keith Mann.

After throwing 78 pitches Wednesday, Mann will be ineligible due to needing three full days of rest. Diskin tossed 94 pitches this past Monday, making him available, but only for 56 pitches. Due to the restrictions, look for Anthony DeNora (3-0. 0.00 ERA) to either start or come in relief after Diskin has reached his 150-pitch limit for five calendar days.

Final Thoughts

Governor Livingston has the pitching to hold down the Panthers’ offense, but they need to use Diskin wisely. With only 56 pitches to work with, if Diskin does get the start, then DeNora will have to know they will call on him to close things out in relief.  

If JT Deriso is on his game, and the Panthers are patient at the plate and drive up Diskin’s pitch count, we may be in for a pressure cooker in the Group 2 Final.