Baseball Recap: Manalapan Sets Scoring Season-High Against Freehold Township

Winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Manalapan). They put the hurt on the Freehold Township Patriots with a sharp 18-12 victory on Thursday. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Braves considering their one-run performance the matchup before.

Aiden Cruz looked comfortable as he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Robert DiStefano was a standout: he went 2-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and one double. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Anthony Foti, who got on base in six of his seven plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.

Manalapan always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .589. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Manalapan moved to 8-11 with that win, which also ended their four-game losing streak. As for Freehold Township, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 9-8 record this season.

Manalapan will be playing in front of their home fans against Bayonne at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. As for Freehold Township, they will head out to take on Middletown South at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday.