EWING-If it seems like every year the Flemington Post 159 baseball team is in the New Jersey American Legion semifinals, it is because that is not far from the truth. Tuesday, with the schedule changed by the strong thunderstorms that rolled through Mercer County Monday night, the Indians took to the field at 4 p.m., knowing a victory over...
EWING-If it seems like every year the Flemington Post 159 baseball team is in the New Jersey American Legion semifinals, it is because that is not far from the truth.
Tuesday, with the schedule changed by the strong thunderstorms that rolled through Mercer County Monday night, the Indians took to the field at 4 p.m., knowing a victory over Haddon Heights Post 262 would send Flemington into Wednesday night's semifinal.
Behind the dominant pitching of Matt Brennan, and some timely hitting, the Indians won 6-1 to advance to the second semifinal game Wednesday. Flemington will play National Division winner Gloucester Township Post 281, which beat Hopewell Post 339 16-15 Tuesday. Hopewell will play Brooklawn Post 72 in the first semifinal at 4 p.m.
"We gave the ball to Matt Brennan, and he pounded the zone," manager Steve Farsiou said. "Our defense stepped up today, especially the left side of the infield."
With Muhlenberg College righty R.J. Hennessey set to take the hill against Gloucester, the Indians will have someone with big-game experience to lean on, with a win sending them into a fourth state final since 2009.
"We have R.J., who pitched for Muhlenberg, on the mound tomorrow," said Flemington team mate Henry Hawkins. "We know he is going to pump. We just have to play defense behind him, and hit the baseball. The big thing is our defense, then our offense tries to get as many runs in support as possible."
In all four Flemington (33-4, 18-0 in the Pyramid League) losses this year, one bad inning in the field has been the downfall, including in the opening game 6-3 loss to Brooklawn at the Final Eight. But the Indians were solid Tuesday, allowing a very good Haddon Heights team just one run in nine innings.
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But why has this team been so successful over the past decade? Other than Brooklawn, which has won the last six titles, the Indians are the only other New Jersey team since 2009 to win a state championship. With both teams in the semifinals, Flemington may once again get a shot a the team that has knocked it out of the tournament each year since 2012, when the Indians finished as runners-up.
In that time, Flemington has finished as runner-up twice(2012, 2015) and third twice (2013, 2014).
"I have to give all the credit to the coaches," Hawkins said. "From the beginning, they have taught us to treat every game like a state final. Every league game, every other game."
Farsiou was quick to credit his players.
"I think it is about the guys on this team," Farsiou said. "A lot of guys want to play for Flemington, but it is not easy. We are serious about every game. We try to play consistent baseball."
"I have to give these guys credit," Farsiou said. "These kids want to be here, and play under pressure. Legion is different from travel ball. You have to be able to handle pressure here."
"You also have to do well in your league play," Farsiou said. "That is what allows you to choose where you want to go in the districts. Our practices are meticulous, structured, and organized."
"These kids know they are playing to for something, to win something" Farsiou said. "And they all want to win."
Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean