VSN sweeps into first place

Despite losing all starters from last year’s 15-9 team that reached the county quarterfinals, Valley Stream North is shining on the diamond in 2014 and finds itself atop the standings in a challenging division hitting the home stretch of the season.

The Spartans completed a three-game sweep of Cold Spring Harbor on April 17 with a two-run sixth inning triple off the bat of T.J. Mango for a 6-5 win. It was Valley Stream North’s fifth straight victory and eighth triumph in nine games, moving it into first place in the Nassau County Conference A-IV standings with a 9-3 mark and 10-3 overall.

“A lot of guys are stepping up and playing really well now,” Spartans head coach Phil Sanfilippo said. “It was a real nice week for us.”

North began its sweep of Cold Spring Harbor on the strength of a complete-game effort from pitcher Glenn Tants, who allowed no earned runs in a 6-2 win on April 14. In the middle game, North poured on the offense in a 14-4 victory paced by a three-run home run by Pat Brady and a 3-for-3 two-RBI day by Vinny Boccia.

“There are a lot of different guys contributing,” Sanfilippo said. “It’s a very balanced team.”

Mango leads North in hitting with a .477 batting average and is also 2-0 on the mound. “He’s really helping us big time,” said Sanfilippo of Mango’s play. “He’s doing it all.”

Also hitting over .400 is senior outfielder Brian Carroll, with catcher Joe Bruzzino at .366 through 13 games. The team’s RBI leader is Matt Cosme with 14. Cosme’s brother Sean is also stepping up and went 4-for-4 in North’s first win against Cold Spring Harbor last week.

North will conclude the regular season with two three-game sets versus Mineola and Locust Valley. While North is in the driver’s seat to claim one of four playoff spots in Conference A-IV, Sanfilippo knows there is plenty of work left to do. The Spartans are battling with Seaford, Clarke, Island Trees and Mineola for those four postseason spots within in the division. 

“For us to take it to the next step and go on a deep run, we are going to have play improved defense,” Sanfilippo said. “We’re in good position right now but there is still a lot of games left so we have to finish the season strong.”