Red Raiders Fall Short in S.J. Group III Championship

The defending New Jersey State Champion Ocean City High School baseball team had another stellar season, finishing with a 19-9 record. Unfortunately, they lost the South Jersey Championship game Friday at home to Delsea Regional by a final score of 4-0. Delsea scored runs in the 1st (1), 5th (2), and 6th (1), while Ocean City threatened on several occasions, but stranded more than a dozen base runners during the course of the game. Ocean City Head Coach Andrew Bristol said of the Raiders' efforts, “This team made their own mark, which isn't an easy thing to do after last year's State Championship team. They lost to a good team. They made more plays than we did. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but we'll come back from it.” Starting pitcher Duke McCarron, a University of Maryland commit, started the game and went 5 2/3 innings with 8 strikeouts for Ocean City. He also hit a stand-up double in the bottom of the 1st inning. Players stand for the national anthem. Freshman Evan Taylor completed the game on the mound for Ocean City. Delsea starting pitcher Angelo DePalazzo went 5 innings and was replaced by George Starr, who got the last 9 outs. Ocean City senior pitcher/1st baseman Tom Finnegan, a St. John’s commit, said despite the loss, “It's been a fantastic four years here. The whole coaching staff has taught me how to play real baseball and be an honest person on and off the field.” Assistant Coach and former Philadelphia Phillies director of Team Travel and Clubhouse Services Frank Coppenbarger, said overall, “19-9 is a pretty good season in high school baseball.” “The kids battled hard but came up short today,” Coppenbarger said. “Hats off to the other team, but that doesn't take away from a really good season. There's a lot of excitement for Ocean City baseball. The kids should be very proud.” Delsea will continue to play against the Central New Jersey Champions, Middletown North. The Red Raiders congratulate Delsea Regional.