2024 Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic Finals Preview
Photo by: Justin Vogel
Get ready for an exciting match-up as Delsea takes on Cherry Hill West in the upcoming Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic final. Both teams have displayed exceptional skills this season, with Delsea boasting a 20-2 record and Cherry Hill West not far behind at 20-3. This game promises to be a highlight of the season, showcasing two of the top teams in the entire state.
Delsea Crusaders
Delsea has shown robust performance, winning the majority of their recent games with significant margins, such as the 17-1 victory against Cumberland. Despite a recent slip-up against Clearview with a 1-4 loss, their overall performance remains strong. The Crusaders have showed their power as a team with 15 home runs on the year. Together they are batting .331 with 176 total runs on the season. The real depth is within their bullpen where they have thrown a collective 1.64 ERA with three starting pitchers that can really get the job done.
- Season Record: 20-2, undefeated in Tri-County - Liberty
- Key Wins: PaulVI, Jackson Memorial, Northern Burlington
- Key Players: Zack Maxwell (OF) impresses with a .425 batting average and a .727 slugging percentage. He also leads the team in hits and adds 5 HRs to the board. Austin Buchanan (OF) has been reliable all year with a .424 batting average and leads the team in runs scored. Frank Cairone (P) leads the team with 70 Ks on the year and a 1.64 ERA. He is also followed by
Cherry Hill West Lions
Like Delsea, Cherry Hill West has been dominant in their recent games, overcoming strong teams with ease. Their only recent setback was a 4-3 loss to Shawnee, but they bounced back with a 2-0 win against Gloucester Catholic. They have picked up some really impressive wins this year and are currently 9-1 in their last 10 games. Coming off the biggest win possibly in the entire state, the Lions definitely have the momentum on their side. As a team are batting .388 with 235 runs scored on the season. This team is very balanced and has the power, speed, and defense to make a case as one of the best teams in the state.
- Season Record: 20-3, 5-1 in Olympic - Patriot
- Key Wins: Gloucester Catholic, Eastern, PaulVI
- Key Players: Grant Fournier (OF) has been phenomenal with a .500 batting average and a .667 slugging percentage, and Nick Mirarchi (C) also shines with a .403 batting average and a .597 slugging percentage. Jonathan Young has been a slugger all year leading the team with 5 HRs. Ryder Garino (P) is having impressive season with 61 strikeouts and a .40 ERA.