Jersey Blues Launch 2026 Season With Doubleheader Sweep Of Salem Mighty Oaks

Red Bank, NJ - The Brookdale Community College baseball team opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion, sweeping the Salem Community College Mighty Oaks in a home doubleheader with victories of 17-7 and 6-3.

The Jersey Blues offense wasted little time making noise in game one, powered by several standout performances at the plate. Sophomore Gary Perone III led the charge, going 3-for-4 with a home run and a double while driving in three runs. Sophomore center fielder Declan Sheehan also joined the long-ball lineup, blasting a home run and adding a single for three RBI. Freshman Owen Parilo added to the offensive fireworks with a three-run home run of his own.

Additional production came from sophomore left fielder Ray Mulhern and freshman shortstop Dawson Smail, who each delivered doubles and two RBI to keep the Brookdale bats rolling. On the mound, sophomore TJ Legere earned his first win of the season, striking out four batters over 2.0 innings. Sophomore Matt Desiderio secured the save with a strong 3.0-inning performance that included four strikeouts.

In game two Pizzuti stayed hot offensively, going 3-for-4 with a triple and a single while driving in a run. Smail added another solid performance, going 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI. Sheehan and sophomore second baseman Ryan Tan each chipped in with RBI to help secure the victory. Sophomore Jeffrey Barham earned the win on the mound, allowing no hits while striking out four batters over 3.0 innings. Freshman Thomas Diffley closed out the contest, earning the save with a scoreless inning of work.

The Jersey Blues will return to the field on Sunday, March 8 at 1:00 p.m. when they host the Mercer County Community College Vikings.

Photo above courtesy of Tom Smith