After games on Saturday May 5
The playoffs aren't quite here yet, but Garden State baseball fans got a glimpse of what the postseason could bring when Gloucester Catholic and Don Bosco Prep faced off last week. It appeared the top-ranked Rams were on their way to victory, but Joe Purritano erased the deficit by belting a three-run homer in the 10th inning for a 5-3 Don Bosco win.
The victory shoots the Ironmen to the top spot in the state and No. 44 slot in the POWERADE FAB 50. Gloucester Catholic remains in the national rankings at No. 50.
Just as impressive is the recent play of Rob Kaminsky. The St. Joseph (Mont.) has now thrown three no-hitters this season, the last being his gem in which he struck out 16 batters during a 5-0 win against Paramus last week.
Here are this week's rankings (last week's rankings in parentheses):
1. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey) 16-3 (4)
Ironmen jump back up to No. 1 and into the FAB 50 by knocking off Gloucester Catholic 5-3, thanks to Joe Purittano's three-run blast in the 10th. Another test looms this week in Poly Prep (N.Y.).
2. Gloucester Catholic 14-3 (1)
Rams fell to Don Bosco in extra innings and will certainly seek revenge should they meet again in the Non-Public A championship.
3. Seton Hall Prep (West Orange) 16-1 (3)
Secured victories against Columbia (13-1) and West Orange (11-2), pushing their win streak to 16 games.
Click here for the full POWERADE weekly New Jersey baseball rankings.