Five Things You Need to Know... Highland Baseball

As the baseball season takes its final turn toward the playoffs for Highland, it has been a wildly successful campaign thus far for the Tartans.  

The senior-laden squad has not disappointed on some lofty expectations this season on its way to a 12-2 record heading into today's home game against Deptford.

Get ready for the Tartans' stretch run with “Five Things You Need to Know … Highland Baseball."

1.  Much was expected of the Tartans following last season's run to the South Jersey Group 3 championship game.

The team brought back an impressive lot of seniors led by Tyler Hinchliffe. While Hinchliffe, prior to getting injured, was as good as advertised, Highland had its share of experience on the diamond this year, and the players have produced.

“Our seniors who will graduate will be impossible to replace,” Tartans head coach DJ Gore said about his squad. “They are the most successful group I’ve had over a four-year period.”

Helping lead the way for the Tartans are experienced hitters like Ron Reagan, Ryan Pavlik and Matt Miniconzi, among others.

“The senior class is very talented, and a lot of (media) coverage goes to Pierce Phillips and Tyler Hinchliffe, but Reagan, Miniconzi, Mike Zalewski, Pavlik, Nick Jaconetta, Zach Olar, Dylan Dougherty, Anthony Restivo and Nick Juliano are the main reasons why we could be the No. 1 seed in South Jersey,” Gore said.

2. Entering the season, Gore had some very clear goals for his team. True to form, when asked, he still measures the season by the goals he laid in front of his team at the start of the season.

“Our goals were to earn a Diamond Classic bid, win the conference, win a South Jersey title and play in a state final,” Gore said, echoing what he told Patch in the preseason. “We have accomplished goal No. 1. Goal No. 2 and 3 are down the road, but possible. ... We hope to make a South Jersey final and break through.”

3. Much was made of the competition the Tartans would face this year in their own division, facing off against rivals Kingsway, Clearview and Williamstown. If the Tartans were to get back into the playoffs this year, they would have to fare well against these perennial contenders for the SJ Group 3 crown.

Against them, the Tartans have gone 3-1, with their only loss coming to Kingsway on Wednesday, an 8-7 decision. It was the first time this season Highland gave up more than three runs to a divisional foe.

4. While pitching has been the headline grabber for the Tartans this season, Highland's bats have been consistently strong, too.

Names like Reagan, Zalewski, Pierce and Miniconzi are consistently found putting up big numbers on the stat sheets—something their coach is quick to point out.

“The middle of our lineup has played well for us all year long,” Gore said. “Our pitchers have done a great job also.”

5. The Tartans play Washington Township in the first round of the Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic Saturday at 1 p.m. The game was originally scheduled for Maple Shade High School, but has been made a home game for the Minutemen

Highland plays next week at home against Holy Spirit (Monday) and on the road at Williamstown (Thursday) before the start of the South Jersey Group 3 playoffs, which are slated to begin May 23.

For coverage of Highland's Diamond Classic game and an update on star pitcher Tyler Hinchliffe’s injury, check in with Gloucester Township Patch throughout the weekend.