Point Pleasant Beach Claims Group 1 State Baseball Title in Dramatic Upset Over Pompton Lakes

PISCATAWAY — Hopes for a historic day for North Jersey in the NJSIAA public baseball finals were dashed as Pompton Lakes faced Point Pleasant Beach in the Group 1 championship on June 14 at Rutgers' Bainton Field. The matchup marked a rematch of the previous year's title game, and the stakes were high as both teams sought glory.

The Cardinals started strong, racing to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, reminiscent of their previous encounter. However, Point Pleasant Beach quickly regrouped, scoring five runs in their half of the inning and eventually securing a commanding 10-4 victory. This win earned the Garnet Gulls their first state championship in baseball. Earlier in the day, Old Tappan and Ridgewood had also claimed titles in their respective groups.

Despite Pompton Lakes' more experienced roster this year, featuring only three seniors, their season was marked by a remarkable turnaround after a rocky start. Coach Mike Riordan praised his pitchers, Ryan Miceli and Jon Popovich, who rose to the occasion despite not being designated as pitchers at the start of the year. Riche, who started the final game, lasted 3⅔ innings before Popovich took over.

The Garnet Gulls showcased their batting prowess, with Point Pleasant Beach scoring in double digits throughout most of their state tournament games. Reflecting on the game, Point Beach shortstop Antonio Acevedo remarked, "I was thinking we could do the same thing they did to us. It would've been nice... but it's great to finally get [a state title]."

The pivotal moment came early, with Pompton Lakes taking the lead thanks to a leadoff double by Jonah Carbon. However, Point Pleasant Beach swiftly answered back with a string of hits that turned the tide in their favor. The game concluded with senior Tommy Conroy retiring nine consecutive batters, sealing the victory for the Garnet Gulls.

As the teams reflected on the game, both coaches acknowledged the resilience displayed throughout the season. Coach Riordan emphasized the contagious nature of their hitting, while Conroy expressed relief at finally overcoming the heartbreak of the previous year's loss. The victory, marked by a tribute to former coach Raymond "Doc" Ellis, who passed away in 2025, will be remembered as a significant milestone for the Garnet Gulls.