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Sports

Injuries Hit Absegami Baseball Team Before Season Even Begins

The Braves are still armed with standouts and experience.

Even before practice started, the Absegami High School baseball team was hit hard with injuries.

However, the Braves are an experienced group, and Absegami coach Brian Wastell expects his seniors to pick up the slack.

Absegami was 14-9 last season, and made it to the Group 4 South quarterfinals, losing to Washington Township, which went on to win the title.

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"We will look to our seniors," Wastell said. "Our expectation is that somebody else will step up."

The Braves will be without Ryan Irwin, an outfielder and starting pitcher, pitcher Kyle Hesse and first baseman Phil Whitehurst. Catcher Anthony Ardente may return this season but only when he is finished rehabbing his knee.

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"He has a shot to make it back," Wastell said. "He is rehabbing it, and it depends on what the doctor says. We don't ever push the kids."

Despite the injuries to key players, the Braves have several standouts and their experience to rely on this season.

Staff ace Anthony Soyer returns to take the ball against Absegami's toughest opponents.

"He is a three-year starter," Wastell said. "He is very consistent. He is an intelligent pitcher. He is not going to overpower you but he is good at hitting his spots and keeps hitters off balance."

Joe Caravello, a second team all-conference selection last year, is the team's leadoff hitter and will play centerfield, and Vaughn Champion, a three-year starter, returns to play shortstop, and is arguably the team's best fielder.

Caravello's biggest impact last year was getting on base and giving his teammates a chance to knock him in.

"He got hit 13 times last year, and he was on base 19 consecutive at bats," Wastell said. "He is a good ballplayer."

Stephen Smith returns to play second base and hit in the No. 3 spot in the lineup.

The Braves will be counting on several new players this season, especially with all the injuries.

The corners will be Jordan Welch at third base, and John Waters at first base. Jason Sartorio gets the call behind the plate.

Rob Algeo will play left field, and Angelo Macrina will be in right. Phil Collette and Kyle Warker will see time in the outfield.

Matt McCallister and Lance Arlington may log some innings on the mound.

"They all have to step up," Wastell said. "We need pitching to come along faster because of injuries to a couple guys, but I have complete confidence to step in and play."

Absegami will have plenty of competition in the conference with Millville, Hammonton, Ocean City and St. Augustine returning a lot of talent.

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