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

The Colts Neck Cougars will square off against the Toms River North Mariners at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Colts Neck will be strutting in after a victory while Toms River North will be coming in after a loss.

Colts Neck took a 11-run defeat the last time they faced off against Howell, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Cougars had just enough and edged out the Rebels 6-5 on Thursday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Cougars have posted since May 13, 2024.

Jack Dugo made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He pitched 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 big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one run. Those three hits gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ronan Kiely, who went 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. That home run marked the first that he has launched this season. The team also got some help courtesy of 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.

Meanwhile, Toms River North scored the most runs they've had this season on Tuesday, but it wasn't enough. They fell just short of Liberty by a score of 11-10. The Mariners have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Pietro Amodio and Jason Verderrosa stepped up to the plate in a big way. 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. Nick Daniele was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one run.

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