Baseball: Final Top 20 rankings

By Phil Anastasia

Inquirer Staff Writer

Here is the final Top 20 ranking of the 2015 South Jersey baseball season:

(Previous ranking in parentheses)

1. Bishop Eustace (1) 24-7

After May 13, the Crusaders went 5-0 against No. 2 Gloucester Catholic, No. 3 Northern Burlington and No. 5 Eastern. In four games in the South A tournament, Bishop Eustace allowed a total of six runs. In four games in the Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic, the Crusaders allowed a total of four runs. That's 10 runs in eight elimination games. That's sensational. "That was our game all year," Crusaders coach Sam Tropiano said. "Our pitching carried us all year."

2. Gloucester Catholic (2) 26-5

The Rams lost two games to South Jersey opponents, both to Bishop Eustace, both by 2-1 scores. Senior outfielder Fran Kinsey, an Iona recruit, finished his career with exactly 100 hits. He batted .396 this season and scored 36 runs.

3. Northern Burlington (4) 27-5

The Greyhounds set a school record for victories in a season. Senior Ryan Shinn, a Florida Gulf Coast recruit, batted .490 with 12 doubles and 36 runs.

4. Williamstown (7) 21-6-1

The Braves won the first South Jersey title in the history of the program. Williamstown returns almost all of its pitching next season, led by junior ace left-hander Denny Bentley, who was 10-0 this season with a 1.01 ERA.

5. Eastern (3) 24-6

The Vikings won 72 games in the last three seasons. Senior outfielder Matt Woods batted .416 this season with 29 RBIs and 36 runs and senior shortstop Corey Kreston set a program record for hits in a season with 44.

6. Mainland (5) 23-6

In shades of last season's run to the Group 3 state title, the Mustangs won their last three playoff games by a total of five runs. This team won back-to-back South Jersey Group 3 titles (as well as a state title in 2014) with strong pitching and solid defense.

7. Buena (9) 23-7

The Chiefs were 22-3 against South Jersey foes, with two losses to No. 3 Northern Burlington. Senior Denny Brady, an East Carolina recruit, capped a remarkable career with these numbers in his final season: .460 batting average with 11 doubles and 30 RBIs and a 7-2 mark on the mound with an 0.75 ERA and an astounding strikeout-to-walk ratio of 114-15.

8. Haddonfield (6) 24-5

In four South Jersey Group 2 tournament games, the Bulldogs allowed a total of three runs. Strong defense and solid pitching from seniors Matt Jones and Drew Dark were keys to success for this team. Senior outfielder Charlie Clarke led the offense with a .481 average with 12 doubles.

9. Cherokee (12) 17-9

The Chiefs were 11-3 after May 1 thanks to one of South Jersey's top pitching staffs led by seniors Quinn Taylor and Brian Marconi.

10. Cherry Hill West (8) 18-9

The Lions split with Top 10 teams Bishop Eustace, Eastern and Cherokee.

11. St. Augustine (11) 20-8

Junior RHP Mike Vasturia might have been the hard-luck pitcher of the season. He was 6-3 with a 1.18 ERA and 50 Ks against just 10 walks. His three losses: 3-1 to Mainland, 1-0 to Gloucester Catholic and 2-1 to Eastern.

12. Ocean City (10) 17-8

The Red Raiders return ace right-hander Sean Mooney, a junior who was 7-1 with a 1.34 ERA with 82 Ks in just 47 innings.

13. Holy Spirit (NR) 14-16

After a 1-7 start, the Spartans surged to the Non-Public B state title. Senior outfielder Anthony Boselli (.406) and sophomore pitchers Billy Kral, Bobby Spicer and Jules Massella led the way.

14. Haddon Heights (NR) 18-7

Senior centerfielder Jesse Weick batted .554 with 15 doubles and junior LHP Adam Laskey emerged as an ace on the mound as the Garnets captured the SJ Group 1 title.

15. Delsea (NR) 16-8

The Crusaders went 12-4 down the stretch and won a pair of one-run games in the SJ 3 tournament. This was another team with deep and strong pitching.

16. Cinnaminson (13) 18-7

The Pirates hit 56 doubles, led by Jimmy Cicale (9), Adam Berenato (9) and Jimmy Dever (8).

17. Holy Cross (15) 19-10

The Lancers made the BCSL tournament title game for the second year in a row.

18. West Deptford (14) 16-8

The Eagles have a strong sophomore class led by Drew Wilden, Kyle Garrison and Ryan Baglivo.

19. Clearview (18) 16-9

The Pioneers went 7-1 down the stretch.

20. Deptford (17) 16-7

Senior Nick Ferrett batted .551 with 7 doubles and 22 RBIs for the Spartans.

Under consideration: Absegami (12-9), Audubon (13-8), Egg Harbor Township (15-13), Highland (17-9-1), Kingsway (16-10), Millville (13-12), Wildwood (20-12), Winslow Twp. (12-12).

 -- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com

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