Despite a rough season last year, the Port Washington high school varsity baseball team is looking to build from last campaign’s experience. A year ago, they were a young team with little to no experience at the varsity level. That, coupled with some key injuries, forced them to play many close games at which they came out on the short end. This year, the boys will use that experience as a motivator going into the new season. With 10 of the 16 players having played at the varsity level and six of those 10 as returning starters, the team does have some veteran presence and leadership.
With six years under the helm, Head Coach Matt Holzer is excited and optimistic about this year’s team. “I expect to make the playoffs this year,” he said. “I think we have the talent to make the playoffs. These guys have been working really hard since last fall.” Holzer believes that the team’s strength is a combination of pitching, defense and speed. The number one and number two pitchers in the rotation, Andy Varvaro and Dylan Livingston, are back and looking to improve their solid performances from last season. On the field, the boys seem strong down the middle, with shortstop Erik Klug, returning from his injury last year, centerfielder Ryan Delmonte and Issei Kohama behind the plate, solidifying the defense. The team speed is throughout the lineup especially with leadoff hitter Christian Esposito, who is expected to steal a lot of bases this season.
The offense will be carried by the heart of the lineup with Varvaro, Livingston and Kohama. These are the guys who Holzer is relying on to drive in runs. In front of them will be the table setters, Esposito and Delmonte. The top half of the lineup is where they will do the most damage. “We got a solid group of guys and a lot of talent and I think we should make the playoffs for sure,” said Esposito. “If we play the way we are supposed to, we should win.” As for Varvaro, the starting pitcher/third baseman is also expecting a nice run out of his team. “Offensively, we’re going to put up more runs and I’m excited about that” said Varvaro. “I hit .300 last year and I want to do that again.”
As far as team concerns goes, Holzer is seeking a third starter behind their top two guys. So far, they have eight hurlers who are competing for a spot. “That’s what the scrimmage and preseason games are for,” said Holzer. “It’s kind of an open competition.” Speaking of competition, the two teams who are expected to be the class of the Nassau AA III Conference are MacArthur and Plainview. Both teams posted double digits in wins and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. If Port Washington is going to make the playoffs this season, they must compete hard against these teams.
On paper, this group is very talented and has the ability to make a run in the playoffs. If they can play to their abilities, they should have a good chance. The Port Washington High School Boys Baseball team will play their first game on Monday, April 6 at Herricks, with a rematch to complete the Home and Home series the following day, Tuesday April 7.
