BY MARK JAFFEE
Not only does Oxford High junior Jason DeNigris lead his baseball team in hits and batting average, but he put himself atop the school’s leaderboard in both categories for a single season.
Through 23 games, DeNigris is hitting .526 with 40 hits in 76 at-bats, and he’s scored 23 runs.
A utility infielder at second base or third base when he doesn’t pitch, DeNigris moved into the leadoff spot after a few games and the eventual Naugatuck Valley League champions have flourished.
Oxford topped Holy Cross, 9-3, for the NVL championship last Wednesday.
“Jason is a real spark plug,” said Oxford coach Brian Hourigan. “When we fell behind to Holy Cross, 1-0, he came to bat and ripped a hit and made us believe we can score runs. He has a knack for hitting line drives.”
Early in the season, Hourigan realized he needed to get DeNigris more at-bats because he was making consistent contact and not striking out.
“You could say his approach has been contagious,” said Hourigan. “We expect him to get multiple-hit games, and when he doesn’t, we say he’s in a slump. Last year, he was playing behind two college-type players (Matt Morelli and Dale Keller). He made it clear that he’s an outstanding hitter when given the chance.”
The top-seeded Wolverines host No. 32 Tourtellotte today at 2:30 p.m. in the Class S state tournament opener.
Mr. Clutch: Holy Cross lefty Matt Bonvicini hit .500 for the regular season. He followed that up with a torrid NVL tournament, with seven hits in nine at-bats (two home runs, three doubles, two singles) and eight RBI.
“Matt is not an easy out,” said Holy Cross coach Mike Phelan. “He battles hard in every at-bat. He doesn’t swing at bad pitches and good things usually happen when he makes contact.”
Bonvincini and the No. 2-seeded Crusaders host No. 31 Somers in their Class S opener today at 3:30 p.m.
Waiting their turns: It wasn’t until midseason when Wolcott senior outfielder Jacob Gabriel finally earned a starting spot.
“I give Jacob all of the credit in the world,” said Wolcott coach Tary Scott. “After four years, he kept hanging in there. He approached me after seven or eight games and said that he finally knows what it takes to get on the field. He kept hustling in practice and kept focused and gained confidence. I put him in the lineup and he’s hasn’t looked back since.”
Gabriel will start in right field today for No. 8 Wolcott against No. 25 Bacon Academy in a Class M opener at 3:30 p.m. Scott features a strong outfield with the anchor as senior Jacob Ramos in center field.
“Jacob has made some great catches this year and he’s the glue of the defense,” said Scott. “He’s just a hard-nosed player.”
Playing left field for the Eagles is junior Bobby White.
“Bobby has played everywhere for me and has finally let his athletic ability come through,” said Scott.
From thrower to pitcher: In terms of a win-loss record, Wamogo sophomore left-hander Garrett Coe’s numbers aren’t off the charts at 5-4.
Coe has struck out 72 batters in 50 1/3 innings and has allowed only 13 earned runs to sport a stingy 1.81 ERA. He dropped a 2-0 decision to Nonnewaug last week. But the 6-foot-5 Coe has made tremendous strides from his freshman year.
“Garrett is learning how to pitch instead of being just a thrower,” said Wamogo coach Gregg Hunt. “He’s moving the ball much better and learning some times to take a bit off and still be able to stay in the strike zone.”
Coe will start the No. 22-seeded Warriors’ Class S opener at No. 11 Stafford today at 3:30 p.m.