Baseball Looks To Continue Its Path To NJAC Finals
By Ryan Gaydos
@KUTowerSports
The next opponent for the Kean University baseball team is Richard Stockton College. The Ospreys are one of the last teams standing in the Cougars’ way to making it to the New Jersey Athletic Conference finals. Kean will have to over take Richard Stockton Thursday in front of the home crowd.
With NJAC Pitcher of the Year Kevin Herget already having pitched Tuesday and winning against The College of New Jersey, sophomore and second-team all-NJAC pitcher Charles Thielmann may get the nod for the Cougars in this one. Thielmann is 7-1 this season with a 2.42 ERA and 53 strikeouts this season. Thielmann has been the second best pitcher on the team next to Herget. The one-two combination have been very successful this season.
Thielmann pitched Saturday in the first game of a double header against Rowan. He went the distance and allowed three runs-two earned-on 10 hits while striking out seven batters. Kean won that game 4-3.
Nick Ramagli will have a lot of confidence coming into this game against the Ospreys. He was named NJAC Player of the Year Wednesday and was named to the all-NJAC first team. His .366 with two home runs and 28 RBI. His contribution to the team Thursday will have the biggest influence as to whether or not the team wins.
Freshman Sal Taormina has gotten the start in the last few games and has come on strong. He is batting .343 with 21 RBI in 30 games. As of late he has driven in five RBI in the last five games. His string of great games not only bodes well for the tournament but for the future as well.
The Cougars have to be careful with Mark Jankowski. He did not do well in the first game played at Kean last week but when the Ospreys traveled back home, he went 2-for-3 with a double against Nick Zucchero. Justin Gordon was also a big part of the 6-1 win last Friday.
The heart of the order and consistent pitching will be huge for the Cougars and will be a big part if Kean wants to have success against Richard Stockton.