CM varsity baseball completes undefeated season and second state championship

Center Moriches High School can add one more to their seemingly endless banners of athletic wins.

It was certainly a home-run season for Center Moriches varsity baseball, as they went undefeated and clinched their second-consecutive state title. They won the Class B state final in a game at Broome Community College in Binghamton. Actually, they didn’t just win—they dominated their opponent Schuylerville, 11-1.

But the success for Center Moriches extends past this season, as their total game winning streak hits 41, 26 of which came from this season. They are the fifth team in New York varsity baseball to complete an undefeated season. Their last loss was on April 18, 2018 against Mattituck. In just this season, the team held eight shutouts, and most others to just a run or two.

The game got off to an explosive start as catcher Alec Maag launched a three-run home run in the first inning. On the defensive side, he was assisted by starting pitcher Matt Alifano, who secured his ninth win of the season. Nate Sigersen and Jordan Falco, neither of whom allowed any runs, followed Alifano.

Maag, who went 2-for-2 overall in the championship game, said he’s still enjoying the win with his teammates.

“It’s great to see a lot of hard work pay off,” he told the Tide.

The team has 15 seniors that will head their separate ways after graduation, but Maag said the team should continue to work hard and stick to their goals. The 2019-’20 lineup will look to continue their undefeated streak into a third season.

After the team was declared the winner in Binghamton, community members and the Center Moriches Fire Department began working to schedule an impromptu parade for the team upon their return home. The players met the fire department around 9:30 a.m. and were able to travel through the streets of Center Moriches, cheered on by family and fans. Maag said it makes the experience that much better when the community is behind you.

“Center Moriches is all about sports, and to get that kind of support is really cool,” he said.