Defense, Speed Expected to be Hallmarks of Caseys Baseball

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By Jim Hintelmann
RED BANK – Coming off a successful 23-4 season that included its first-ever Monmouth County Baseball championship and an A Central division title, Red Bank Catholic coach Buddy Hausmann is looking ahead to another fine season this spring.
“We have a good defense with a lot of team speed,” Hausmann said. “We also have some veteran hitters. We have a good group of kids and some young players who will be replacing the players that we lost by graduation.”
Five starters return from last year led by shortstop-infielder Alfred Molino, who hit .345 in 2013 and will be playing at Coastal Carolina next season.
Also back are Seton Hall-bound catcher Mike Alescio, second baseman Brendan Madigan, infielder Matt Kurdewan, who led the team with nine doubles last season, outfielder Chris Bender and pitcher Tom Puzo.
“Puzo was 6-0 last year,” Hausmann said. “He has a good fastball and will be our top pitcher this season.”
Other probable starters will be top newcomer Evan Madigan at short or second base, first baseman Doug Facendo, outfielder Tom Merlo and catcher Dan Sullivan.
Top newcomers are pitcher-outfielder John Kissinger, shortstop Michael Spinelli, pitcher Vince Vitarelli, first basemen Michael Ianello and Steve Flego, infielder Griffin Keller and pitchers Joe and Tom Montano, Nicholas King, John Poccia  and Joe Liddy.
“We have a tough preseason schedule with teams like Seton Hall Prep, Manalapan and Pope John XXIII,” Hausmann said. “That should help us.”
RBC opens its season Wednesday, April 2, when it plays Monmouth Regional.