Balanced Falcons should contend

A fleet-footed outfield combined with experience up the middle and behind the plate should allow Valley Stream South to contend for the Nassau Class A/League IV title this spring.

The Falcons, who celebrated 14 wins last spring, started 2011 on a positive note by knocking off Valley Stream Central in the Valley Stream Mayor’s Cup Tournament, 21-7. Seniors Ryan Flynn and Rob Oliver both went 3-for-4 to lead the hit parade.

“If we get quality pitching we can compete for the league title,” VSS coach Ken Ward said. “We have nine kids who can throw and we’re using scrimmages to sort through what we’ve got. If someone does well, up the ladder they go. If they have a bad outing, they drop down a notch or two. The best thing is we have plenty of options.”

Senior southpaw Anthony Romano, who saw some innings on the mound last year in relief, has been tabbed the No. 1 starter. He struck out five Central batters in nearly six innings of work. He’s a returning All-Conference first baseman who hit a sizzling .415 and drove in 19 runs in 2010. “Anthony worked on his pitching over the summer and looks strong,” Ward said. “He’s a crafty lefty with a good cutter and pickoff move. He’s also our cleanup batter.”

Senior Andrew Deckel will be the workhorse of the staff, according to Ward. Deckel split four decisions a year ago. “He’s able and willing to take the ball every day of the week,” Ward said. “I don’t see anyone else leading us in innings.”

The third rotation spot will be filled by junior Tommy Meaney, who missed all of last season with an injury, or sophomore Dan Goldman. Both are outfielders and will start in right and center, respectively, when they’re not on the mound. Goldman pitched two-plus innings against Valley Stream Central and allowed one run. “Dan gives us outstanding speed in center and we’re looking for him to hit .300 this year,” said Ward, who is counting on Meaney to drive in runs from the heart of the order.