Holbrook all-stars still fighting for District title
BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

JACKSON - Despite suffering a heartbreaking first-round loss in the District 18 Tournament, the Holbrook 14-year-old All-Stars have combined solid pitching, stingy defense and timely hitting to win four consecutive games in the consolation bracket to keep itself alive.

"The opening game was a real tough loss," Holbrook coach Dave Citron said. "But the kids continued to work hard and keep their heads up. Our pitching and defense has been outstanding the entire tournament. Those two elements have gotten us this far. Hopefully, we can continue to play wit the same kind of enthusiasm for the rest of the event."

Holbrook's opening game setback was a 7-6 loss to Manchester.

Since that time, Holbrook has posted consecutive victories over Berkeley (8-3), Lacey (11-1), Toms River East National (9-7) and Toms River East American (3-2).

"It's been a pretty exciting tournament for us," Citron admitted. "We've come up with a couple of real good wins. Any time you're knocking off teams from Toms River, it's saying something about your team."

In the 3-2 triumph over TRE American, Holbrook rallied for a pair of runs in the fifth inning for the win. TRE American scored two runs in the bottom of the first of take a 2-1 lead.

However, Holbrook responded with a pair in the fifth for the final margin of victory. Garrett Dorsey singled, leading off the frame. Garrett Spillane laid down a sacrifice bunt that was misplayed by the defense and Holbrook had runners at first and third.

Dorsey scored when the TRE American attempted to pick off Spillane at first. Mike Haberman sacrificed Spillane to third, and Tommy Werner's fly ball to right field was misplayed, allowing Spillane to score the second run of the inning.

"We caught a few breaks in that inning," Citron said. "We took full advantage of the defensive miscues."

Holbrook jumped to a 1-0 lead in the first. Brandon Vega walked and moved to second on a wild pitch. Vega eventually scored on an RBI single by Korey McGuiness to stake Holbrook an early lead.

Nick Colon was outstanding on the mound. Colon allowed seven hits and struck out six en route to the complete-game win. Colon came up big in the seventh inning, striking out the final batter with runners at second and third.

"He was a bulldog out there for us," Citron said. "He gave up two early runs and then just shut them down completely. He was really hitting spots with his fastball."

Citron praised his defense as well.

"We made plays behind Colon," Citron said. "That was the key. If we make the routine plays and our pitching continues to hold up, we're going to be in good shape."

On a rain-soaked night at the Justice Complex, Holbrook managed to top Toms River East National, 9-7.

Colon was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored, while Dorsey worked out three walks and scored a run. Vega also scored two runs.

Werner started and went five innings before giving way to relief. Werner then returned with one out in the seventh to get the last two outs and earn the save.

"It isn't very often you're going to have a kid that gets both the win and save in the same game," Citron said. "To be honest, the weather conditions made it very tough for both teams. Gripping the ball was difficult and both teams struggled defensively. Somehow we managed to come out on top."