The Frisch Cougars baseball team has won its third straight varsity championship, defeating the SAR Sting 4-1 in a classic finals matchup at FDU’s Naimoli Family Baseball Complex on River Road in Teaneck.
The game was a hard-fought, well-pitched and often tense battle between the two teams, which had split their two previous matchups in tournament and league play.
The Sting had the first three hits of the game, but was unable to capitalize against the Cougars’ starting pitcher, Akiva Rotenberg. With the game still scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, the Cougars offense got rolling. Rotenberg was able to poke a two-out single between the Sting’s shortstop and third baseman. After pinch runner Joshie Rabitz stole second, Noam Weintraub drove in the game’s first run with a line drive single to left field.
After a quick top of the fifth inning for SAR, the Cougars’ offense went back to work. With runners on first and second and two outs, Joshua Markovitz hit the game’s best shot, driving a triple to deep left field and scoring two runs. Next up was Jason Gamss, who roped a single to right field, plating Markovitz and making the score 4-0.
Those were all of the runs the Cougars would need, but the Sting did not go down without a fight, making some noise in the seventh. Adding to the drama was the fact that, with one out and bases loaded, Rotenberg had reached his pitch limit. Freshman Charlie Butler, who had been playing second base until that point, stepped up and took the mound. He would only need two pitches before the game would end. On the first, the SAR batter launched an arcing sacrifice fly to left field, knocking in a run. This left SAR with runners on first and second and the tying run up at the plate, but with two outs. Surprising many, after Butler’s next pitch, the SAR baserunner at second took off. Frisch catcher Ryan Buchsbayew was not having any of it. He popped up and launched a throw over to Rotenberg (playing third base after ending his stint on the mound) who tagged the advancing runner out. Sweet celebration ensued. Rotenberg’s pitching (6.1 IP, 4H, 1R, 8K) and base hit earned him MVP honors.
The Cougars were led during their epic season by Captain Markovitz (SS) and assistant captains Rotenberg (P/3B) and Buchsbayew (C). Head Coach Adam Volk shared his thoughts about the trio:
Marko was an obvious pick for captain. He is a tremendous leader and his knowledge and skills on the field really shined in high leverage situations. The team has always looked up to him and fed off his energy throughout the season. As a coach, it’s amazing to see his success in all aspects of the game. As for our “battery”—Rotenberg, our ace, and Buchsbayew, our star catcher, have been playing together for many years. Their communication and ability to work together was well-honed and always seamless. It was a pleasure to coach them.
Rounding out the Cougars’ starting lineup were seniors Weintraub (RF) and Judah Vogel (1B), Juniors Jared Reich (2B, 3B, LF), Gamss (CF) and Noah Lowe (LF), and freshman Butler (P/2B). Sophomores Howie Rudolph (P), Jacob Fineman (1B/P) and Joe Ruditzky (2B) saw significant action throughout the season. Rounding out the pitching staff were senior Eitan Danzger, juniors Joshie Rabitz and Nethaniel Cohen, and freshman Benji Shiner. Other notable contributions were made by junior Netanel Renna, sophomore Saadya Schulder and freshmen Asher Black, Micah Hersh, Donny Perlman and Gabriel Sadek. Congratulations also to first year Head Coach Adam Volk and Assistant Coach Jonathan CB Berger. This team is on a roll!
