The St. Mark’s baseball team struggled offensively early in the season. But when it mattered most, the Spartans’ bats came alive.
St. Mark’s pounded out 19 hits in the state championship game and routed Sussex Central, 13-4, winning a record 10th state baseball championship.
The Spartans were led at the plate by senior Mike Medori, who was 4-for-5 with five RBI, and senior Brandon Baker and winning pitcher Taylor Mahoney, each with three hits.
Medori’s two-run single to right field with two outs in the fourth inning not only gave St. Mark’s a three-run lead it would never relinquish, but also chased starting pitcher Michael Schlitter from the mound. Junior Tyler Hrycak struck out to end the inning, but the damage had been done.
St. Mark’s then broke the game open in the sixth with six runs, highlighted by Medori’s two-run double and senior Tyler Husfelt’s two-run single.
“We struggled at the plate in the beginning of the year,” Medori said. “I never thought we’d have 19 hits in a game. We kept working hard and hitting the ball. It was a great team effort all around.”
Mahoney took the mound in the bottom of the first inning with a three-run lead. However, a costly error and three walks allowed the Golden Knights to tie it right back up.
“I told the kids to relax and take a deep breath after falling behind early,” Sussex Central coach Todd Brock said. “I told them that three runs would not beat our offense and to stay within themselves and not try to do too much. Just get one run back at a time.”
But Mahoney, a junior southpaw, quickly settled into the game on the mound at Frawley Stadium, scattering four hits and striking out 10 through six innings, giving up just one run after the shaky start.
“I knew I had to settle down after the first inning,” Mahoney said. “It makes it a lot easier when your team gets 19 hits.”
The storied St. Mark’s program last won the state championship in 2007, and the title gives coach Matt Smith his sixth overall (1999, 2003-05, 2007).
“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a St. Mark’s team get 19 hits before,” Smith said. “We faced adversity and struggled at the beginning of the season. But they battled hard and it all paid off for them. These kids deserve what they got.”
For Sussex Central, it was a disappointing end to their coach’s rookie season.
“I told the kids that we fell a bit short of our goal but how proud I was of them,” Brock said. “I told them that it was an honor to be their coach and how much I appreciated their hard work all year long.
“I also reminded them they put [our school] back on the map and that I wanted the underclassmen to look around and remember what they are feeling right now. To let that feeling motivate you to work hard in the offseason. And the last thing I told them is, ‘We will be back, don't you worry!’”
Game Notes: St. Mark’s Senior Tyler Husfelt became the third member of his family to win a state championship at St. Mark’s. Brothers Ryan (1999) and Casey (2005) also were members of state championship teams … Junior Tom Valichka pitched the seventh inning for the Spartans in a non-save situation … The game was played in front of 1,286 spectators and lasted two hours and 22 minutes.
More Baseball: Smith and Brock top coaches
Middletown’s Scott Smith and Sussex Central’s rookie coach Todd Brock were named coaches of the year by the Delaware Baseball Coaches Association.
Smith led an experienced Middletown (20-2) team to the school’s first Blue Hen Flight A Conference title and the state tournament semifinals, where the Cavaliers lost to eventual state champion St. Mark’s.
Brock led his alma mater to the championship game for the first time in 20 years and finished his rookie campaign with a 20-3 record.
Breidenbach named player of the year
Salesianum senior Breidy Breidenbach was named player of the year by the Delaware Baseball Coaches Association.
He led Sallies to a state championship in 2008 and holds the school record with 22 wins on the mound.
“Breidy’s work ethic in the classroom and on the field will leave a legacy that many should wish to follow,” Sallies coach Doug Nowell said. “Being a father of three young kids, I hope my two sons and daughter will grow to follow the path of excellence as a person that Breidy has taken.”
Breidenbach will attend West Chester University (Pa.) on a baseball scholarship.
Baseball: All-State team
The Delaware Baseball Coaches Association recently announced the All-State baseball team;
Pitcher
Breidy Breidenbach, Salesianum, Sr.
Eric Buckland, Caravel, Sr.
Catcher
Corey Jefferson, Archmere, Sr.
First base
Ryan Haas, Middletown, Sr.
Peter Ott, Sussex Central, Sr.
Second base
Joe Babuca, Caesar Rodney, Sr.
Tom Valichla, St. Mark's, Jr.
Third base
Vince Bonaddio, Salesianum, Jr.
Shortstop
D.J. Long, Sussex Central, Sr.
Outfield
Breidy Breidenbach, Salesianum, Sr.
Eric Buckland, Caravel, Sr.
Elliot Gardner, Middletown, Sr.
Designated hitter
Mike Johnson, Charter of Wilm., Sr.
Utility
Luis Barrientos, Indian River, Sr.
Coach of the year
Todd Brock, Sussex Central
Scott Smith, Middletown
Assistant coach of the year
Dave Hitchens, Middletown
News and Notes: Jim MacFarland was honored at Frawley Stadium following the state championship game for his 50 years of service as a baseball umpire in the state of Delaware … Salesianum senior Dan Gayeski will play baseball at DeSales University (Pa.) … Caravel senior Eric Buckland has been named the Gatorade Delaware High School Baseball Player of the Year for the second straight season. Buckland will pitch at the University of Delaware next season.
