Delaware Valley baseball team has unfinished business to take care off this spring
Kevin EdwardsMILFORD — Delaware Valley’s varsity baseball team struggled a bit at times last year on the Lackawanna League scene.
The Warriors posted an overall record of 8-15, going 6-8 in Division I action and finishing sixth in the standings.
However, Coach Michael Murray’s squad made a late-season run, advancing all the way to the District 2 Class 6A semifinals before falling to state qualifier Hazleton Area.
On March 2, assistant coach Larry Cicileo accompanied four of his veteran players to Bill Howerton Media Day, which serves as the official start of the highlights of school baseball season in northeastern PA.
The event was held at PNC Field in Moosic and attracted hundreds of players and coaches from all across District 2.
“We lost some key players to graduation, but we have some younger kids looking to breakout this year,” said Cicileo, who’s in his fourth year as a member of the varsity staff. “We’re definitely excited to get back out there and see what we have.”
To date, Delaware Valley has one exhibition contest under its belt, an away game versus Pittston Area. Weather permitting, the Warriors have one more tune-up on tap on the road at Nazareth.
First pitch is scheduled for Monday, March 31 at 4 p.m.
Veteran leaders
Isaiah Berrios, Trevor Phillips, Frank Pedone and Liam Onofrey will play key roles in whatever success Delaware Valley enjoys on the diamond this spring.
All are seasoned veterans, and each brings a unique skill set to the table.
Berrios is a senior third baseman who has already committed to continue his baseball career at Francis Marion University in South Carolina.
He was among the team leaders in hits, runs and doubles last season. Defensively, Berrios held down the hot corner while also taking a regular turn on the mound.
“We’re expecting big things from Isaiah as a senior,” Cicileo said. “He’s a hard-throwing power pitcher who should also be key for us in the middle of the line-up.”
Phillips is expected to play solid defense at first base. A right-handed hitter with gap-to-gap power, he’s also looking to provide pop at the plate.
“Trevor has a really high baseball IQ,” Cecileo said. “One of the best things about Trevor is how much he loves the game. He’s always working hard to improve, and he’ll do anything to help the team.”
Pedone is a senior power pitcher who went 3-1 last year with a 2.65 ERA and 31 strikeouts. The highlight of his season came in the district quarterfinals when he threw a no-hitter against Scranton High School.
“Frank’s going to be the ace of our pitching staff,” Cicileo said. “He has a bulldog mentality and just attacks hitters. I’m excited to see Frank at the front of the rotation this season.”
Onofrey is a junior and three-year starter as varsity catcher. He batted .333 last spring and was among the team leaders in hits and RBIs.
“Liam has a ton of experience behind the plate,” Cicileo said. “He handles our staff well and has a great rapport with all the pitchers. Liam really shuts down the running game, and I’m also expecting him to have a big season with the bat.”
Ready for opening day
Delaware Valley will once again be competing in Division I of the Lackawanna League.
The Warriors will square off against the likes of Abington Heights, Scranton Prep, West Scranton, North Pocono, Wallenpaupack Area, Scranton High and Valley View.
“I think the division is pretty wide open this year,” Cicileo said. “This is a hard-working group of kids. They’ve been bounced by Hazleton in the district semis the last two seasons, so they definitely have some unfinished business.”
Delaware Valley is scheduled to open its regular season slate Wednesday, April 2 at home against Scranton Prep. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m. in Milford.