Big tests loom for North Shore baseball

Though its biggest tests are yet to come, North Shore is off to a strong start in Nassau Conference IV baseball with an 8-2 record and a never-say-die attitude.

“We’re battling every inning and shown we have the ability to play with anyone in the conference,” coach Scott Lineman said. “We’ve played a lot of close games so far and there’s probably more to come. We need to become a little more consistent and keep doing the little things it takes to win.”

Lineman believes how far the Vikings can go in the Class A playoffs will come down to pitching. So far, he’s used senior ace Luke Vaccaro third in the rotation after playing him at shortstop in each of the first two games each week. Vaccaro is 3-0 on the mound with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 30-to-2 and no-hit Lynbrook on May 13. He’s also leading the team in RBIs with 15 and has slugged two homers.

“Luke’s throwing in the mid-80s with great command,” Lineman said. “He’s pounding the strike zone. His no-hitter was definitely the highlight of the year so far.”

Senior Matt Rosen and junior Nick Caprarella have both gotten nods in the opening game of a week, with sophomore Matt Malone on the bump for the second game. Senior Will Sebetic and sophomore lefty Nick Livoti, each with one win, are also contributing. “Our rotation has been effective,” Lineman said. “We’re mixing and matching the first two games of the week and it’s working out.”

Unlike past seasons, teams throughout the county are playing two-game series instead of the traditional three. “I miss the three-game series, but to be honest I’m just glad we have the opportunity to play after what everyone went through last year,” Lineman said.

One of the lynchpins to North Shore’s success has been senior catcher Ryan Dattner, who was the JV starter in 2019. He’s raking at the plate with a .467 average and 14 RBIs. “Ryan put the offseason work in and he’s doing an amazing job behind the plate and at the plate,” Lineman noted.

The infield defense is solid with Vaccaro and sophomore Jayden Rosario at shortstop, junior Gavin Goss at second base, senior Rylan Gaynor at first and sophomore Sean Maldonado at the hot corner. Gaynor has managed some clutch hits, Lineman said, and homered in a 6-0 victory over Valley Stream South on May 20.

Senior Chris Bartlett is a three-pronged weapon who patrols center field, works in middle relief and as the closer, and hits second in the lineup. He’s hitting .385 with a team-leading 18 runs scored and 7 stolen bases. Junior right fielder Julian Sferrazza (.335 avg.) sets the tone from the leadoff spot and also has swiped 7 bases. Sebetic starts in left, while Rosen is a key middle-of-the-order bat.

Lineman is curious to see how the Vikings match up against Plainedge, Wantagh and Bethpage down the stretch. “Big tests coming up,” he said.