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2024 New England High School Team Previews

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2024 Spring Team Preview: Westerly (RI)

WESTERLY, R.I. - Expectations are always high when it comes to the Westerly baseball program.

“We have high standards,” noted ninth-year head coach Ron Sposato Jr., a 2000 graduate of Westerly.

A Final 4 appearance last season that ended in a loss to eventual state champ East Providence was “kind of a disappointment” according to Sposato, who led the Bulldogs to the 2022 Division 2 state title.

“We have five program goals,” Sposato said in listing off building and maintaining Bulldog culture, pride, winning a state championship, getting athletes to the next level and every player leaving the program with a positive attitude. “I had a great experience playing here at Westerly and I want the same for my players.”

There is more that Sposato wants his team to experience.

“Having everyone feel a part of something special is important to me,” Sposato said. “One of my sayings is ‘we’re all business, but we have fun doing it.’”

With the top two pitchers from last year's squad that finished 12-6 in league play returning, there is plenty of optimism at Westerly.

Jack Tenuta, the second-rated senior right-handed pitcher in Rhode Island, and Michael Poole, the top-ranked junior RHP in Rhode Island, are “our big two starters” according to Sposato. Poole, a Maine commit, was the winning pitcher in the 2022 state finals as a freshman.

Tom Fiore is the third hurler for the Bulldogs with Zach Miner, mainly a reliever, completing the top four pitchers for Westerly.

Sophomore Grayson Simmons, who started in the outfield and batted leadoff his freshman year, will catch with senior Nick Tria back at first base. Poole will also play some first base in addition to pitch.

Miner returns at second base with fellow junior Jayden Parker ready for his first full season at shortstop. Senior Joe Gabriele and freshman Jack Zerbarini are battling for playing time at third base.

Drew Bozek, who threw out the potential tying run at home in the bottom of the seventh inning in the 2022 state finals, is back in center field with Tenuta in left and Fiore in right. Josh Ferando is the DH and also plays outfield with senior John Gingerella bringing depth to the outfield.

“This group is very focused with great leadership,” Sposato related. “They want to get back to the state championship and they know it will take full effort and getting better every day.

“It will come down to pitching,” Sposato concluded. “Once you win it you have a blueprint. We had three starters and if we can get that third starter I think we can get there again.”

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