HOWIE DO IT

Freshman Howie Brey threw a complete-game shutout in his first varsity
game and junior Craig Sweeney smacked a grand slam in Middletown South's 4-0 win in Class A North that handed Christian Brothers Academy its first loss of the season.

“Today was a great win over a great team,” said first-year Eagles head coach Ryan Spillane, who was formerly an assistant at CBA. “But I’m not surprised because we can play this way every day.''

With Brey shutting down the Colts (9-1 9-1), Sweeney gave him all the run support he needed in the bottom of the first.

“It was a 3-2 pitch, so I was just trying to protect the plate,” Sweeney said. “I got a pitch I could drive and put a good swing on it.”

Brey allowed only five hits and three walks while striking out five.

“Howie pitched an absolute gem for us today,” Spillane said. “I’ve watched him pitch since the summer and I knew he was capable. He has three pitches that he can throw for strikes, and in any situation.

“Howie has confidence, composure, and a lot of heart. Some people think I may have been taking a chance throwing him, but he has the complete package.”

The Eagles (7-4, 7-4) won their second straight after dropping their previous two by large margins and were able to take down the previously undefeated Colts.