Pearl River Baseball to Rely on Pitching

Pitching played a major role in Pearl River's string of three consecutive league titles.

Once again, Pearl River's success will be built around its arms in 2013.

"I think the last couple of years, we always had good pitching," Pearl River Head Coach Bruce Miller said. "This year, that's going to be our strength."

Junior Kevin Considine emerged as a top starter last season and senior John Doherty was the Pirates' No. 3. Juniors Mike Murphy and Mike Imbarrato and sophomore Dan Campbell should also help this year, with senior Chris Beers working in relief. 

"My No. 1 goal every year is to keep the pitchers going," Miller said. "We don't have the staff coming back that (Tappan Zee) has, but we will be able to compete and stay in a lot of games."

Doherty became one of Pearl River's top hitters as a junior. The Pirates return their entire outfield, with Doherty in left, leadoff man Rich Masley in center and Beers in right. 

Considine plays third base and first when he doesn't pitch. Campbell and Sean Kennedy could also see time at third with Murphy and Imbarrato battling for time at first base. 

"Up the middle is our question mark, second base shortstop and behind the plate," Miller said. 

Senior Shane Ocasal played some at second base last season after transferring from Don Bosco Prep. He and Campbell are options at shortstop, with junior Conor Ocasal and Kennedy at second.

"It's who is most consistent defensively first, then with the bat," Miller said. 

Senior Cle Davis and junior Chris Flood are competing for time at catcher. 

Even with position battles going on so close to the opener April 2 at Byram Hills, Miller expects Pearl River to be competitive.

"We've won three league championships in a row, so we like to say we will reload rather than rebuild," Miller said.

Miller said that Tappan Zee will most likely be the toughest challenge in the league, but Nyack returns a lot from a young team last year and Nanuet should have solid pitching.