Gov. Livingston Shuts Down Union Catholic to Capture Back-to-Back County Titles

photo & coverage by: Marco Morales

Gov. Livingston reminded the state why they’re considered the top team in New Jersey.

With a first-inning offensive explosion and a combined no-hitter from pitchers Keith Mann and Anthony DeNora, the Highlanders secured a 5-0 victory over Union Catholic to claim their second straight Union County Tournament championship.

The tone was set early.

Gov. Livingston came out swinging at Kean University, piling on five runs in the bottom of the first inning, capped off by a pair of loud doubles to the wall from Anthony DeNora and Michael Basile, who drove in two runs on the day. That inning turned out to be all the Highlanders would need — and the only offensive scores the game would see.

On the mound, Keith Mann delivered one of the most efficient starts of the tournament, throwing 5.2 innings of no-hit baseball while striking out five. DeNora entered in relief to finish the job, locking down the final four outs to combine for the no-hitter and secure another trophy for the undefeated Highlanders, who now stand at 22-0.

After the win, team captain Zach Geertsma shared what makes this team so dangerous: “Winning back-to-back titles is a major achievement for myself and the team. Although we’re happy, we’re always focused on the next game — one game at a time. Yesterday was history, and now it’s about today.”

He emphasized the bond that keeps this squad together: “We knew everyone was coming for us after last year. But the key is having a team I can call my brothers. I believe we’re the closest team in New Jersey — and that’s why we come through in clutch situations. Everyone has each other’s back.”

With the Union County title secured and an unblemished record still intact, Gov. Livingston will now shift their attention to the state tournament, where they’ll look to defend their championship and continue writing one of the most impressive stories in New Jersey high school baseball this year.