In a matchup of reigning sectional champions, Randolph, last year’s North 2, Group 3 winner, battled Livingston, the North 1, Group 4 champion, in a dramatic opener that ended in a 5-4 walk-off victory for the Rams on Thursday, March 27.

The Rams carried their momentum into their next game, securing a 4-1 victory over Union, with AJ Terry and Chase Lorent blasting back-to-back home runs to lead the offensive charge on Saturday, March 29.

These were key victories for Randolph, as the team entered the 2024-2025 season in a period of transition after graduating 10 seniors from last year’s roster. With a revamped lineup and a new-look pitching staff, the 2024-2025 Rams wasted no time making a statement.

“Going into [the Livingston] game after losing the 10 seniors wasn’t really any different than any other game,” said senior shortstop AJ Terry, the team captain. “We still always want to go out and compete because we’ve got the guys here.”

At the game, the Lancers struck first in the opening inning, pushing across a run on a fielder’s choice. Randolph answered in the second, capitalizing on back-to-back bases-loaded walks to take a 2-1 lead.

The Lancers regained the advantage in the third, scoring twice, once on a hit-by-pitch and again on a sacrifice fly, to pull ahead 3-2. Randolph quickly responded, however, when junior Matthew Bruun delivered a clutch two-strike single down the left field line, knotting the score at 3-3.

Livingston reclaimed the lead in the fourth with an RBI single, but from that point on, Randolph’s bullpen took control.

Making his varsity pitching debut, senior Andrew Dobres started for Randolph, tossing three innings. He allowed three runs on two hits, striking out one while walking five.

“I knew the stakes; we were playing a good team for the first game of the season, and I wanted to set the tone on what Randolph baseball represents,” Dobres said. “I stayed composed during some early struggles through falling back on my teammates.”

Senior Gavin Carlucci took over in relief, allowing just one run over four innings while striking out two and walking one. His performance kept Randolph within striking distance.

“Coming into a tight game, I knew I had to step up and keep us in this game if we wanted to beat a really competitive team,” Carlucci said. “We’ve got a lot of great guys in the field who can step up in big moments, and today was proof of that.”

Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh, Randolph mounted a final push. Junior Sal Midolo led off with a single, followed by a well-placed bunt from Bruun that advanced Midolo into scoring position. A groundout moved both runners up, putting the tying and winning runs in scoring position.

With two outs, junior Joey Bosotina stepped up to the plate as a pinch hitter and delivered in the clutch, roping a single up the middle to drive in both runners and seal the 5-4 victory.

“With the team behind me, I used their energy to drive the ball,” Bosotina said. “Coach Rizzi told us to stay aggressive, and I knew I had to avoid getting to a two-strike count. I couldn’t have been in that position without Nick, Sal and Bruun passing the bat. I’m grateful to everyone who helped me get there.”

Randolph racked up 11 hits, led by Midolo, who went 3-for-4 in his varsity debut. Bruun, Terry and Dobres each drove in a run, while junior Nick Armento contributed two hits. The Rams showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks, including two each from Terry and Dobres.

Defensively, Randolph played a flawless game, committing no errors. Key plays included a diving stop in right field by Midolo and solid infield work from Terry and Armento.

“It was a huge win and a great way to start the season,” Terry said. “We want to keep this momentum going into the season, and if we can do that, we’ll be all right.”

The Rams carried their momentum into their next game, securing a 4-1 victory over Union on Saturday, March 29. Terry and Chase Lorent blasted back-to-back home runs to lead the offensive charge.

The Rams will look to extend their winning streak when they host Montville on Tuesday, April 1.