Verratti helps Neumann-Goretti baseball get in sync
Brian Verratti showed why he's been a four-year fixture in Neumann-Goretti's starting lineup in the fourth inning of Tuesday's Catholic League game against Bonner-Prendergast.
Brian Verratti showed why he's been a four-year fixture in Neumann-Goretti's starting lineup in the fourth inning of Tuesday's Catholic League game against Bonner-Prendergast.
Following his two-out RBI single, the centerfielder stole second base and then, when he noticed the defense sleeping on a throw back to the pitcher, raced to third.
"Honestly, he's one of the toughest kids I've ever coached," N-G third-year manager Kevin Schneider said. "He's a true, hard-nosed kid from South Philly. He's everything we're about as a team."
Verratti went 3 for 3 with two RBIs, two stolen bases, and a run as the host Saints blanked the Friars, 4-0, at 26th and Moore Streets.
Neumann-Goretti, which is trying to make a full recovery from a slow beginning, was 5-5 in league action and tied with Bonner-Prendie for seventh place going into Wednesday's contest against Conwell-Egan.
Ten teams qualify for the postseason, with the top six earning a bye.
"It was disappointing," Verratti said of the 1-3 league start. "We just weren't in sync. Now, we're finally getting into a groove."
Verratti, a leadoff man who lives near Broad and Oregon, was hitting .432 with 12 runs, eight stolen bases, and four doubles through Tuesday.
"It's probably my favorite thing ever," the 18-year-old said of batting at the top of the order. "There's nothing better than getting a hit or drawing a walk to get things going."
Verratti's parents, Anthony and Kellyanne, are regulars at N-G games. The family's 2-month-old chocolate lab puppy is also part of the fan base positioned near the foul line in shallow left field.
Against Bonner-Prendie, senior righthander Jeff Ciocco twirled a complete-game five-hitter with seven strikeouts. The Western Kentucky recruit allowed only a sixth-inning walk.
N-G's starting rotation also features senior Ethan Pritchett, sophomore Joe LaFiora, and freshman Joe Messina. Junior Jared Healey, the squad's everyday shortstop, is a closer.
Verratti is supported on offense by sophomore rightfielder Colin Eiser; senior third baseman Nick D'Amore, who will join Pritchett at Wagner; Healey; and sophomore second baseman Aidan Baur.
N-G's recent surge has been aided by the defensive play of freshman backstop Eric Nardini. "He's gotten so much better," Schneider said. "And he's been durable, catching every inning."
As a sophomore, Verratti helped the Saints claim their fourth Catholic League title in six seasons. He produced an RBI single in an 11-0, five-inning clincher against Roman Catholic.
Verratti honed his skills with the Delaware Valley Youth Athletic Association at 18th and Johnston. He will play baseball and study criminal justice at West Chester.
"West Chester has a strong program," he said. "Even though it's a Division II school, it could beat a lot of Division I teams."
@ozoneinq