Delsea's Frank Cairone throws a pitch in the 50th annual Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic semifinals played at Delsea Regional High School in Franklinville, New Jersey on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Thomas Maxwell/D2 Sports Network
FRANKLINVILLE - The Delsea Regional High School baseball team won 16 straight games and looked to add to its streak as it hosted Northern Burlington in the 50th annual Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic semifinals.
The Crusaders completed the task as they came away with their 17th straight victory with a 1-0 walk-off win last Saturday. Drew University commit Zach Maxwell hit a one-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning to secure the triumph. Delsea reached the Diamond Classic final for the second year in a row.
Seton Hall commit Frank Cairone proved why he is one of the best left-handed pitchers in South Jersey. The Delsea junior tossed 5.1 scoreless innings and allowed only two hits. He also racked up nine strikeouts for the Crusaders.
Northern Burlington's Luca Mannino was also dialed in on the mound. Mannino hurled 6.2 innings and exited after throwing 115 pitches. The junior allowed two hits, six walks and sat down seven batters on strikes.
Cole Marchetti registered the first hit of the contest for the Greyhounds with a single to center field with one out in the top of the second inning. The Crusaders were held hitless until the bottom of the third inning when Maxwell hit a single to right field. It was also Maxwell's 100th career hit.