Delbarton Baseball Secures Sectional Championship with Dominant Victory

MORRIS TWP. — Delbarton High School celebrated its second sectional baseball title in three years after a commanding 11-1 victory over DePaul in the North Non-Public A final on June 4. The top-seeded Green Wave, boasting a record of 27-4, took control of the game with a four-run fourth inning and sealed the win with another four runs in the sixth, ending the game early under the mercy rule.

DePaul, the third seed, was on the verge of heading into the seventh inning with a manageable 7-1 deficit. However, a routine ground ball back to the pitcher was mishandled due to the setting sun interfering with the first baseman’s view, allowing two additional runs to cross the plate. Sal Garcia took advantage of the situation, scoring the final run while the Spartans contested a close call at first base involving Lorenzo Masselli.

Looking ahead, Delbarton is set to compete against St. Augustine Prep in the Non-Public A final on June 10 in Hamilton Township. The Green Wave last claimed the state championship title in 2019. Meanwhile, DePaul concluded its season with a 22-6 record after suffering defeat in the North final for the second consecutive year.

The pivotal moment came in the third inning when DePaul’s senior Jason Amalbert tied the game with a solo home run, bringing the score to 1-1. Delbarton quickly regained the lead in the following inning, as Garcia was hit by a pitch, advanced around the bases, and scored on Finn O’Loughlin’s second triple, contributing to the Green Wave's resurgence.

O’Loughlin finished the game with an impressive 3-for-3 performance, recording four RBIs and scoring twice. Garcia also excelled, going 3-for-3 with an intentional walk and a double, crossing home plate three times. Delbarton's relief pitcher Kyle McBride faced a bases-loaded situation in the sixth but struck out the next three batters to secure the win. Amalbert concluded his high school career with a solid 2-for-3 performance, including a homer, as he prepares for his future endeavors, potentially including the MLB Draft.

Delbarton coach Bruce Shatel expressed pride in his team, stating, "It’s an unbelievable team… our guys are kind of unfazed by good pitching. We put together some crooked numbers, and those big innings really helped." He added, “They feed off of one another. It’s a great group.”