Hackensack runs its win streak to three
       
         

HACKENSACK – Hackensack might not have had the type of baseball season that it wanted to when the final record is tallied, but the Comets closed it out with a bang. Having started the season at 2-14, Hackensack is fighting right to the end and has now built a three-game winning streak, including Tuesday’s 2-1, 9-inning win over Becton.

The Comets showed will, passion, and the determination to win, traits learned during a bunch of close losses. The Comets were coming off wins over quality teams like Pascack Hills and a talented DePaul Catholic squad and did not let their guards down against a Becton team that has qualified for the state tournament, which gets underway next week.

“As I have said all year, it will be about getting better every day, practicing hard and working hard. If we do these things eventually good things will happen,” said Hackensack head coach Frank DiLorenzo.

The Comets got off to an early lead with a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth by senior right fielder Adonys Figuroea, who was 1-for-3 on the day. Hackensack’s Jeff Pena also had a good day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two singles.

Becton responded in the sixth inning with an RBI single from third baseman Matt Perine who finished 1-for-2 with an RBI. Becton also got big contributions from Nico Viso (2-for-4) and Joe Losho, who went 3-for-5.

The story of the day between these two teams was the pitching as both got great performances from their aces. For Becton, Mike Bolwell allowed two hits over five innings with three walks and five strikeouts, while Kyle Post allowed two hits over four innings with two walks and six strikeouts and also scoring a run. For the Comets, Pena did not give up his first hit until the fourth inning. He allowed two hits over six innings with two walks six strikeouts and zero runs allowed.

In the bottom of the ninth the game rested on the bat of senior Willy Recarte. With runners on second and third and only one out, Recarte got ahead in the count and, on a 2-1 pitch, he singled up the middle to center field and ended the game.

“This was definitely big in a week where we upset Pascack Hills at home, DePaul on the road, and now Becton, who is a state qualifying squad,” said DiLorenzo. “It was also big for Willy who is playing in his last home game to have that chance and come through for us.”

Recarte, who is a senior, was playing in his last home varsity game. Hackensack will look for its fourth straight win in its final game of its season on the road at Tenafly.

“We will look to use these games as momentum going into next season and continue to progress every day. We will build a foundation of what we want to become in the future,” said DiLorenzo.

Tyler Drakeford is a 2013 graduate of Hackensack High School who is finishing up his Associate Degree at Bergen Community College this spring. This is his first effort as a NorthJerseySports.com intern.