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2022 New England High School Team Previews

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2022 Spring Team Preview: Cranston West

CRANSTON, R.I. - Veteran mentor Rob Malo picked up his 200th coaching victory in 2021. If the pitching for Cranston West comes around, look for plenty more wins in the upcoming campaign.

“Our keys will be the three basics - play great defense, get strong pitching performances and be productive on offense,” noted Malo, who has a 200-109 record since taking over as head coach of the Falcons in 2007.

Cranston West went 5-8 last season in a shortened season, knocking off Bishop Hendricken 6-3 in the first round of the playoffs before losing 2-1 to eventual state champion North Kingstown on a walk-off bases-loaded walk the next day,

Jason Patalano, the ace of the staff who was the winning pitcher against Bishop Hendricken, has graduated and among the key losses for the Falcons along with second baseman Caleb Harris, now playing at CCRI, pitcher Nick Fortest, now at JWU, and shortstop Jake San Antonio.

“I believe our strength will be in our defense,” pointed out Malo. “But our biggest weakness will be an inexperienced pitching staff.”

Junior right-hander Luciano Leone is the lone returning pitcher from a year ago, though the Falcons have plenty of other key players back.

Cole Carbone, the top-rated junior catcher in New England, is a Houston commit and returns along with center fielder Colby Kuzman, a UAB recruit who hit .326 with 17 walks last season as a sophomore.

Joe Domenico, a first baseman/outfielder who averaged .389 with seven RBIs and eight doubles a year ago, is also back as is Chris Piscione, the 13th-rated 2023 third baseman in New England who could also see time on the mound for Cranston West this season.

“We have a great group of young men, with very good team chemistry and work ethic,” Malo said. “They  love the game of baseball and always continue to work to get better.”

A pair of newcomers are being counted on to contribute by Malo in pitcher/infielder Demetri Sampalis and outfielder Jacob Chin.

A program that has won championships in the state’s top division in 1975, 2006, 2007 and 2011 along with a Class B state title in 1991, Malo understands the challenges ahead as head coach for Cranston West.

“We play in a very competitive and tough division and know that we need to come to play everyday.” Malo concluded. “There is no easy game on our schedule and every team will bring their best when they play us. Regardless of our record, we will always have a bullseye on our back. We are hoping to compete day in and day out, get to the playoffs and hopefully be in a position to compete for a state championship.”

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