Neptune 2021 Baseball Preview

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Since seventh-year coach Kevin Frederick took over the Neptune program, the Scarlet Fliers have built up a reputation as an overachiever. It started with a surprise run to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III final back in 2017 and the latest example was an extra-innings win over Red Bank Catholic in the Last Dance World Series, followed by a tightly-contested loss to Howell in an elimination game.

Some of the important players from last year’s team are gone, but the star of that win over Red Bank Catholic is back at heading up the pitching rotation. Left-hander Brian Young showed in that one start that he was ready to make the transition from project to ace, showing a feel for his pitches one year after issuing 31 walks in 41 innings as a sophomore.

Neptune senior Brian Young. (Photo by Steve Meyer)

Young will give Neptune a chance to beat most of the teams on its schedule but the rest of the team lacks varsity experience. Left-hander Billy Foy and Ryan Cole are talented pitchers right behind Young and a host of sophomores will look to break onto the scene as both depth and potential bulk-innings contributors.

Those sophomores will also factor in on offense, with Quincy Esannason, Brennan Moloughney and Joe Juliano all part of the picture in the outfield as two-way players. Jack Tinik is another sophomore likely to start in the outfield, while Nick Quagliato is primed for the starting catcher spot.

Cole will start at shortstop alongside double-play partner and senior Austin Celiberti, while juniors Tyler Persico and Dan Moran occupy the corner infield spots. With all the sophomores and juniors, the future could very well be promising, but with Young a senior at the top of the rotation, 2021 is as good of a time as any to strike for Neptune.

Neptune at a Glance

Head Coach: Kevin Frederick, seventh season
Key Losses: John Gannon (C), Rocco Richard (SS), Jett Tinik (CF), Jack Smith (1B), Thomas Gamba-Ellis (RHP/1B), Andre Harris (OF/RHP)

Around the Diamond (Returning 2019 starters in bold with available stats)

Catcher: Nick Quagliato, So.; Joe Juliano, So.

First Base: Tyler Persico, Jr.

Second Base: Austin Celiberti, Sr.

Shortstop: Ryan Cole, Jr.

Third Base: Dan Moran, Jr.

Leftfield: Quincy Esannason, So.

Centerfield: Brennan Moloughney, So.

Rightfield: Jack Tinik, So.; Joe Juliano, So.

Other Key Hitters

Kevin O’Neill (So., 2B)

Pitchers