Baseball Game Preview: Toms River North Mariners vs. Colts Neck Cougars

The Toms River North Mariners will head out on the road to challenge the Colts Neck Cougars at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Toms River North has given up an average of 7.2 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Toms River North is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They fell just short of Liberty by a score of 11-10 on Tuesday. The Mariners have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Pietro Amodio and Jason Verderrosa did some serious damage despite the final result: Amodio went 2-for-5 with five RBI and one double, while Verderrosa got on base in three of his five plate appearances with one home run and two RBI. Verderrosa also put up a run, which was his first of the season. Nick Daniele was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one run.

Colts Neck came out on top against Howell on Thursday thanks in part to the team's impressive five-run fifth inning. The Cougars narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past the Rebels 6-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Cougars have posted since May 13, 2024.

Jack Dugo made a splash while hitting and pitching. He tossed 4.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with one run. Those three hits gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, Ronan Kiely was incredible, going 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. Another player making a difference was Joseph Pignatelli, who went 3-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.

Colts Neck hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Howell struck out seven times.

Colts Neck's record is now 8-3. As for Toms River North, their loss dropped their record down to 4-7.