West Windsor, N.J. – The weather may still be a bit of a spoiler in the Northeast, but in Myrtle Beach, SC, the Mercer County Community College (MCCC) baseball team finally got a chance to get their season under way. The team traveled south over Spring Break, playing 11 games over six days from March 13-18 and coming away with an 8-3 record.

With a large, talented squad, the Vikings anticipate a strong season and a deep run into the post-season.  They are currently 15th in the National Junior College Athletic Association rankings.

According to Head Coach Kevin Kerins, the annual Myrtle Beach trip has contributed significantly to the program’s success.  “We are able to play teams from all around the country,” he said.  “It also gives our players exposure to scouts from four-year schools from the South.  On this trip, several players got scholarship offers from southern colleges, including one player who was offered a full ride. That’s a 100 percent scholarship offer.”

Noting that weather forced the postponement or cancellation of all 17 games scheduled prior to Spring Break, Kerins saw a lot of positives on the field down there, especially once the Vikings got a few games under their belt.  “I was pleased with our pitching staff in particular and how the players handled themselves through the grind of 11 games in six days,” the fourth-year coach said.  “This trip allowed us to gel as a team and to build the chemistry needed for another championship run.”

The Vikings played their first home game of the season against ASA on March 24, winning 5-3 in nine innings.  Sophomores David Osnato and Brandon Kirk each had a double and 2 RBIs, while sophomore James Rice went 2-for-2 with two doubles in the win.  Sophomore pitcher Brandon Garret got his second win of the season and freshman Austin Constantini picked up his first collegiate save.

Kerins is assisted by Fred Carella, Shawn Reindel, Russ Stupienski and Matt Zegari.  For the full schedule and scores, visit www.mccc.edu.athletics.

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