Baseball
2009 Baseball Preview
Bruce Brown hitting one of his three homeruns against Massasoit Community College on April 2, 2009
HAVERHILL, Mass. - The 2009 Northern Essex baseball team will ride the arms of a young pitching staff, several solid returning bats, and sound defense in its quest to win the MCCAC Championship.
Pitchers
Going into the spring, the Knights will rely heavily on the arms of several new pitchers. Right-handed pitchers Syed Ali (Dracut, MA) and Brandon Boucher (Manchester, NH) will front the rotation, while Greg Dubela (Exeter, NH) was a proven closer in the fall. Left-handed Roman Mondalto (Amesbury, MA) will see time both in the rotation and out of the pen.
Bruce Brown (Lowell, MA) and southpaw Kevin Gibson (Pittsfield, NH) return to the mound in 2009. Gibson will help the staff in multiple roles while Brown works primarily in relief.
Outfielders
The NECC outfield will be paced by returner Chris Janowicz (Lowell, MA), who hit .333 from the left-side last season. He will be supported by hard-working Jon Pena (Haverhill, MA) and speedy Alex Ardito (Wilmington, MA). Brandon Boucher will also see key time in the outfield when he’s not concentrating on pitching.
Infielders
Connor Moriarty (Merrimack, NH), who hit .462 with 3 RBIs in 2007, returns to play first base in 2009. Roman Mondalto, when he’s not on the hill, will see time at first base as well.
Bruce Brown will hold down the middle infield at shortstop. Danny Tomasz (Newburyport, MA), Alberto Acosta (Lawrence, MA), Tom O’Brien (Dracut, MA), and Greg Dubela will see valuable time in the middle infield, third base, and even outfield.
Catchers
Juan Gonzalez (Lawrence, MA) will call the shots from behind the dish this season. The sophomore backstop was a tough out in the fall and will hit at the top of lineup this spring. If needed, Danny Tomasz can provide solid and sturdy back-up.
