Oceanside rallies past Massapequa

After losing six pitchers, including his entire starting staff from a team that made a run at the Nassau Class AA baseball title in 2014, Oceanside head coach Mike Postilio knew figuring out who would take the mound this spring would be a challenge.

The extended winter weather didn’t give those vying for rotation spots much of chance to prove their merit, but the staff has developed quickly, and the Sailors are, once again, a team to be reckoned with.

Oceanside made a bit of a statement on the night of April 16 when it scored four runs in the top of the seventh inning to beat Massapequa 4-1 at John Burns Park. Junior Matt Kovitz came off the bench to pinch hit, and drove a two-run single to left center to break a 1-1 tie. Junior Kyle Martin went the distance on the mound, striking out nine batters while yielding just two hits. With the win, the Sailors improved to 5-2 overall, 4-2 in Conference AA-II.

Postilio knows that knocking off the two-time, defending county champions is a big deal for his team. “It absolutely is a big win for us,” Postilio said. “Massapequa is the measuring stick. We battled with them for two games. They execute well, they’re always focused, and they know what it takes to get the job done. They’re what we aspire to be.”

The Sailors entered the final inning trailing 1-0. An infield single by senior Mike Siklas, and back-to-back bunts loaded the bases for Oceanside. With one out, junior Nick Vlahakis squeezed home pinch-runner Justin Halper to tie the score, and set the stage for Kovitz.  A sacrifice fly by Martin brought home the fourth run. Martin retired the Chiefs in order in the bottom of the frame.

“We talk a lot about understand roles and being prepared when called on to perform,” Postilio said. “That was the key to this win. Kovitz makes good contact when he comes to the plate, so we felt good about him pinch-hitting in that spot. Halper is probably the fastest player we have. His base running was a big part of that final inning. It’s about taking advantage when you get the opportunity.”

Earlier last week, small ball played a big role in Oceanside’s 4-2 road win over Farmingdale. Senior Brian DiDominca got down a squeeze bunt to bring home Siklas with a run in the top of the fourth. Martin, who leads the team in batting average and RBI, was 2-for-3, scored a pair of runs, and earned the save in relief.

Senior southpaw Matt Ferraro allowed just one earned run and struck out four to earn his second win of the season. With Ferraro, Martin, and lefty Paul Corr comprising the starting rotation, and seniors John Condon, Justin Krokoff, and Morgan McCarthy getting it done at the plate, the Sailors will be in the mix again come playoff time.

Oceanside travels to East Meadow next Monday for a 4:30 p.m. start.