Hammonton Route’s Atlantic City in 17-7 Season Home Opener
Hammonton baseball finally returns to the diamond for the first time in nearly 2 years in for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic. Hammonton Baseball plays very busiest schedule as they 6 games in 6 days. Hammonton Fielded a very young team with 6 underclassmen on their roster Devils came red came out red hot vs Atlantic City scoring 9 runs in the first and six in the second inning and led 15-1 after three inning.
Hammonton Blue Devils pitching and defense got very messes after David Humphries was pulled after throwing only 45 pitches, 8 strikeouts, 1 walk, and only gave up 1 run in 3 innings pitch and went 2 for 2 at the plate.
One of Hammonton’s big problems is their pitching staff. After No.1 David Humphries, they lack experience on the mound.
Coach Gregg Silvesti says he has not chosen a number No.2 pitcher but is considering freshman Jamison McNally and Sophomore Sean Konopka, both who have not played high school baseball on any level.
Silvesti, who served as assistant coach under Gary Sarno from 2010-2016, took over as the head coach during 17-18 season has Record of 28-16 (.636) even know Hammonton only return 1 start (Jared Beebe) from the last Season they still returned five varsity players from two season ago.
Silvesti has high hopes for the team this year even from the young players.
‘I think we have a good mix of seniors, juniors, sophomores, and a couple of freshman sprinkled in there. [I] hope the younger guys have big impact; they’re going to be thrown into the fire.”
Hammonton, who plays six games in six days, will see if they can go the extra mile with no days off, but Silvesti believes that “if the defense and pitching is good, everything else will fall in place.”
Hammonton starting pitching was good ;;it was the back up pitching that was not as strong. Hammonton Relief Matt Grasso and Bill McAllister gave up a combined 7 runs 2 innings but still powered past A.C.
Due to inexperience, pitching staff, defense, and a tough schedule, I have Hammonton finishing with a record of 6-12. They may not make the playoffs but next year after year of bad play more experience they should be contenders.
