At this point, it’s about playoff positioning and divisional races. Our rankings, with very few changes, reflect that. While our top five holds, Manhattan Center returns after shocking Goerge Washington.
All eyes will be on Staten Island this week as co-leaders Tottenville and New Dorp meet twice. For a complete rundown of our latest PSAL baseball top 10, read below:
1. Grand Street Camp
us (7-1) (Last week: 1)
It seems like years ago Grand Street lost its league opener to Midwood. The Wolves are playing their best baseball, winning tight games and pounding the opposition. This week, they came from behind in their final at-bat to knock off Telecommunications and then took care of Lafayette. Jose Cuas, Kevin Martir and Co. are the clear-cut favorites right now.
Next: FDR (May 1, 4 p.m. @ Six Diamonds)
2. George Washington (8-1) (2)
After its 40-game league regular-season win streak was snapped, the Trojans got back on the proverbial horse with a rout of Murry Bergtraum and solid showing in the Northeast Elite Tournament. George Washington knocked off CHSAA contender Fordham Prep and is tied atop Manhattan A West with Norman Thomas. The two bitter rivals will see each other twice the final week of the regular season – when the title should be determined.
Next: Environmental Studies (Apr. 30, 4 p.m.)
3. Cardozo (9-0) (3)
We’ve raved about Connor Doyle and Adrian Castano, Cardozo co-aces and standout juniors, but it was the Judges’ supporting cast which kept Cardozo perfect in league play last Wednesday in a thrilling, 9-8 win over Queens A West leader John Adams. Down to their last strike, Nicanor Luna drove in the tying run, Diego Gonzalez knocked in the winner and St. Francis Prep transfer Daniel Beizer picked up the win in relief.
Next: Newtown (Apr. 30, 4 p.m.)
4. Tottenville (7-3) (4)
The Pirates have worked their way back to the top of Staten Island A after losing three wins to forfeits and can take over the division title this week. Co-leaders Tottenville and New Dorp meet in a home-and-home series with the Tots gunning for an unprecedented 28th straight crown.
Next: @ New Dorp (Apr. 30, 4 p.m.)
5. Telecommunications (8-1 (5)
After beating up on the bottom of Brooklyn, the Yellow Jackets were tested this week. Though they did lose once, dropping a heartbreaking 4-3 decision to top-ranked Grand Street, Telecom passed with flying colors. Ed D’Alessio kids knocked off Madison behind sensational sophomore southpaw A.J. Serrano, and nearly upset the Wolves, a city title favorite.
Next: EBC/Bushwick Leaders (May 1, 4 p.m. @ Ben Vitale Park)
6. James Monroe (9-0) (8)
The Eagles haven’t felt the loss of staff ace and leadoff hitter Ricky Parra much yet. They went 3-0 this week, edging Bronx A West co-leader Lehman and routing Columbus and Gompers. Barring something unexpected, Monroe should coast to another Bronx A East title as it has the tie-breaker and a two-game lead over Walton, the only team within hailing distance.
Next: @ RKA (May 1, 4 p.m.)
7. John Adams (8-1) (6)
Anderson DeLeon continued his remarkable sophomore season by beating Newtown on Saturday in a showdown for first place in Queens A West. The slight right-hander struck out eight and allowed just one hit in a complete-game gem as he picked up his third win and kept the Spartans atop the division.
Next: Aviation (Apr. 30, 4:30 p.m.)
8. Norman Thomas (8-1) (7)
The Tigers rebounded from a shocking loss to Bergtraum by hammering Environmental Studies to remain tied atop Manhattan A East with rival George Washington. They have a busy week, with contests against Graphic Communications, West 50th Street Campus and Manhattan A West leader Beacon.
Next: Graphic Communications (Apr. 30, 4 p.m. @ Central park North Meadow)
9. James Madison (6-1) (9)
Vinny Caiazza was upset following Madison’s 3-2 loss to Telecommunications last week. Sure, his team fell short, but the Madison coach was pleased with his team’s effort and the pitching of senior Joe Cali. The Knights, after all, still hold destiny in their own hands – the Brooklyn A East division title will likely come down to the final week of the regular season when Madison and top-ranked Grand Street Campus meet twice.
Next: @ Lincoln (May 1, 4 p.m.)
10. Manhattan Center (5-3) (NR)
Forget the three league losses, the Rams will be trouble in late May. Just ask George Washington, which fell to Manhattan Center for the first time in over a decade last week in the continuation of a suspended game. Coach Edgar Leon’s club, led by senior Jesus Medina and sophomore Jerry Liang, are playing as good as anyone in the city these days.
Next: Beacon (Apr. 30, 4 p.m. @ Randall’s Island)
New: Manhattan Center (5-3)
Dropped out: Lehman (5-1)
On the bubble: New Dorp (9-3), Lehman, Walton (7-2), John F. Kennedy (8-1), Beacon, Newtown and Fort Hamilton (6-1)