MOOSIC – The offensive lineup and defensive alignment are virtually the same.
The look of the pitching staff seems to be changing.
All of that is good news for a Pittston Area baseball team that lost only to unbeaten Hazleton Area in Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 play last season and battled eventual state finalist Selinsgrove before having its season end in the District 2-4 Class 5A Subregional semifinals.
“We’re expecting to be one of the top teams in the league,” Zaffuto said during Bill Howerton Baseball/Softball Media Day at PNC Field. “Last year, we started off a little unsure and, by the end of the season, we had a lot of questions answered.
“I think we were one of the better offensive and defensive teams. We were a little shy on our pitching. That’s kind of what hurt us last year.”
Zaffuto expects that to change.
“This year, it looks like our pitching is going to be a strong point for us,” Zaffuto said after the 2022 season ended when seven runs were not enough against Selinsgrove. “I don’t think we have that dominant guy who comes out and shuts everybody down, but I think our staff as a whole, we’re above where we’ve been.
“In my 24 years, I think it’s one of the best staffs that we’ve had.”
Zaffuto brought his returning infield with him to Media Day – senior third baseman Anthony Cencetti, senior shortstop Anthony Cencetti and sophomore second baseman/relief pitcher Silvio Giardina.
“Playing with Silvio – I know his strengths and weakness and he knows my strengths and weaknesses,” Cawley said of the team’s double-play combination. “It just makes it easier and makes you more confident in each other to make the plays.”
The Patriots bring that same type of experience around the field.
“We have the whole team except for catcher,” Zaffuto said, “and we started our freshman, Jake Aftewicz, almost half the games. Now, Sean (Connors) is graduated and it’s jake’s job full-time.
“Basically, we’re the same offensive team and same defensive team. It’s just that we’ve added pitching.”
Pittston Area was 12-2 in the WVC and 16-5 overall last season.
Pittston Area 3, Abington Heights 2
Pittston Area scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh Thursday to win the meeting of potential District 2 Class 5A contenders.
Elijah Barr struck out four in 3 1/3 innings of scoreless, one-hit relief to get the win in the non-league, season opener.
Drew DeLucca drove in two runs and Jeremy Cawley drove in one for the Patriots.
Troy Davis had two hits and Nick Cerasaro doubled.
Pittston Area 19, Wyoming Seminary 9
Anthony Ranieli led a 16-hit attack, going 4-for-4 with four RBI and two stolen bases in Friday’s, six-inning, 10-run victory to improve to 2-0.
Vincenzo Bonomo, who tripled, and Nick Cerasaro drove in three runs each. Dominic Innamorati, who had three hits, and Jeremy Cawley, who doubled twice, each drove in two.
