It's time to cast your vote for the Central Jersey Baseball Player of the Week for May 4-10! This week's ballot features standout performances from athletes across the GMC and Somerset, Hunterdon, and Union county areas. As the season heats up, these players have delivered clutch moments on the mound and at the plate—read on to see who deserves your support.
Voting closes Thursday, May 14 at noon, so don't wait to back your favorite. Please note that votes may take a moment to register, and the winner will be announced a few hours after the poll ends. Here are the top nominees from this action-packed week:
One pitcher dominated with a complete-game seven-hitter, striking out 15 batters and walking just one to lead his team to a 2-1 victory over Voorhees, clinching the Skyland Conference Valley Division title. Another player came through in extra innings, doubling in the game-winning run in the bottom of the 10th and adding a single and a run in the seventh to secure an 8-7 win over Vernon in a Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament semifinal.
A right-hander threw a seven-inning no-hitter against Warren Hills, fanning 15 and allowing only one walk on 102 pitches in a 6-0 win. Meanwhile, a senior delivered when his team needed him most, allowing just one run over six innings with five strikeouts to help Sayreville beat Carteret 6-1 in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament play-in round, also going 1-for-3 with two RBIs.
Another standout had a overpowering start, striking out 16 batters over seven innings in a 4-1 win over New Brunswick, giving up just one run on four hits and a walk. For the season, he now boasts 64 strikeouts in 29 innings with a 1.45 ERA, while also hitting .471 with 16 RBIs. Finally, a left-hander threw his second no-hitter of the season, a five-inning gem against Highland Park with 12 strikeouts and four walks, following a similar performance on March 30 against New Brunswick.
These athletes are showing the grit and skill that define Central Jersey baseball. Who gets your vote? Make it count before Thursday's deadline!