Deleon pitches Hornets past Lawrence to give “Mo” first coaching win

Mike "Mo" Moceri
Coach Mike “Mo” Moceri gives some encouragement to Justin Wiltsey.  File Photo by Michael A. Sabo.

By Rich Fisher
Fish4scores.com

Apr. 2: Hamilton West lost a home game, but won a ball game.

A historic win at that, as Mike “Mo” Moceri got his first victory as a head coach after the Hornets defeated Lawrence, 3-1, today.

The game was originally scheduled to be played at Hamilton but, due to the weather, got moved to Lawrence’s turf field.

“It feels good to get the first one,” Moceri said. “It’s one that won’t be forgotten. Hopefully one of many more to come.”

The Hornets got all they needed with three runs in the bottom of the first, as Connor Luckie, Steven Meckel, and Justin Wiltsey all drove in runs. Kiefer Gross had two hits and a run scored, while Tyler Springett and Wiltsey each had a hit and run scored.

Dazani Deleon picked up the win, throwing five innings of three-hit ball. Deleon allowed three walks and one run. David Zamora and Ryan “Mini Dweller” Beczo each threw an inning of scoreless relief as the Hornets moved to 1-1.

“These kids have been working hard all pre-season,” Moceri said. “This was a great team effort today all around. I’m really excited for what’s to come with this group.”

Hamilton is scheduled to host Colts Neck at noon Tuesday, weather permitted. Nottingham’s game with Hun, scheduled for Tuesday, has already been postponed to May 8. That might be a good thing if Villanova wins tonight, as coach Jim Maher may celebrate through the night.

About The Author


Rich Fisher has been around the Hamilton Township sports scene for so long that he actually got Rich Giallella’s autograph when Giallella was still a player! Proud product of Hamilton YMCA and Lou Gehrig baseball leagues and former teammate of Jim Maher on a very average Barton & Cooney rec basketball team, Fish graduated from Nottingham Junior High and Steinert High school and has covered township sports since 1980. His goal in life is to convince Maria Prato that Jersey tomatoes are at least 100 times better than California tomatoes.