Baseball In State Final

An incredible regular season for the baseball Rockets has been followed up with a historic playoff run.

The team concluded the 2025 regular season with a 17-3 record, which allowed them to slot in as the #2 seed in the MIAA Division 2 playoff. Only a year ago, they had been the #27 seed in the same playoff tournament. To go from a 10-10 record and low playoff seed to one of the most dominant teams in Division 2 this year is a true testament to their resilience and ability to put out great talent on the field. They have truly reached the stars this season, and potentially a state championship. 

What to know about the ‘96 Squad:

The last time the Reading Rockets won the Division 2 championship was back in 1996. As documented by the  RMHS Athletic Hall of Fame, their team’s ace was Steve Langone (‘96), who led Reading with a 0.38 ERA and 115 strikeouts in his senior year. He was also a star on the offensive side of the playing, slashing a career .340 batting average. He went on to play division I baseball at Boston College, where he had one of the best seasons as a starter. He got drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2000 MLB Draft in the 21st round.

In addition, the Rockets had an abundance of star power at the plate. Erik Olson (‘97), the junior at the time, ended the season with a .344 batting average and put up 4 home runs and 18 RBIs in his time at RMHS. Much like Langone, he had major contributions on the mound. His impressive composure as a starter allowed him to be named the Division 2 Tournament MVP. He struck out 63 in his 54 innings that season. Also, David Pizzotti (‘96) was the co-captain of the team and had an incredible performance at the dish. He slashed .363 with 27 RBIs alone in his senior year, a huge factor in how the team performed so well. 

All three of these players had huge contributions at the plate and while on the mound. Lastly, we cannot talk about the ‘96 season without highlighting Coach Pete Moscariello. His coaching tenure with the Reading Rockets by 2004 had already amounted to a 429-161 record. By 2005, the year he was inducted into the RMHS Hall of Fame, the Rockets made it into 21 state tournament appearances under his leadership. Our current baseball field, Moscariello Field, was named after him and his incredible character and leadership as the coach of the Reading program. 

Nevertheless, the last time the Reading Rockets made it to the state finals, the team had absolute star power. They beat Auburn 7-0 to bring home their first championship title. All four members of our ‘96 baseball squad who were referenced above were inducted into the RMHS Hall of Fame.  Let’s take a look at the 2025 squad and their road to the finals. 

2025 Reading Squad: Going back in time?

The Reading Rockets, much like the 1996 team, have monumental talent on the mound and at the plate. Senior Ryan Marino (‘25) had stepped up this season, slotting in as this season’s ace. He pitched 51 innings this season, punching out 82 batters and wielding a 1.78 ERA. He impressively pitched a no hitter against Lexington on May 8th, striking out 17 batters through 8 innings in their 3-0 win on the road. Marino’s contributions in the regular season were well recognized, as he was named the league MVP, as well as receiving  All Star and All-Conference honors. This Rocket’s rotation rounds up with Ethan Lebovidge (‘25), who had a 1.01 ERA in eight appearances, and Grady Ventura, who had an impressive 1.25 ERA and 38 strikeouts. Much like the ‘96 team, the Rockets currently have a pitching juggernaut that has carried them to new heights this season.

At the dish, there are several batters that have risen to the occasion. First, Isaac Robinson (‘26) has hit at an outstanding .430 batting average, driving in 21 batters this season. His power at the plate has played an important role in their success at the plate. Sam Clark (‘26) batted at a .318 clip this season with 21 hits thus far. Both his ability to make solid contact and be a reliable piece as the team’s catcher have helped the team stay stable on defense and offense. Shortstop Nate Vitarisi (‘26) has been batting .300 this season, driving in 14 RBIs in his 24 games. There is a great variety in where the Rockets get their offensive production, a strength that the Reading have taken advantage of time and time again.

Road to the Division 2 Championship Round

The Rockets had the first round bye as the #2 seed, so their first game was against West Springfield on June 2nd at Moscariello Ballpark. The game had been tied up 2-2 for the first five innings, until the Rockets scored four. Kam Greatorex (‘27) hit a single that scored two of those runs. Liam Hansen (‘25) and Nate Vitarisi drew walks to drive in two runs. Ryan Marino and Ethan Lebovidge combined pitched the whole game, not giving up any earned runs. The Rockets were able to beat West Springfield 6-2.

Then, the Rockets played Hopkinton in the next round once again at Moscariello Field on June 4th. They faced the 15th seed, Hopkinton. Last season, the Rockets played them and lost 4-1. Would this game repeat history? It didn’t. Grady Ventura went a full seven innings, punching out seven in his one hitter performance on the mound. The bats were a little more quiet this game, but both Liam Hansen and Nate Vitarisi respectively drove in two RBIs. The Rockets capitalized again at home, 2-0. Coach Blanchard had a word on the home field advantage going into the next game on June 8th: “It’s been a nice thing to be able to come home and have a home crowd at Moscariello Ballpark. [It] has been banged out for those first two games and I don’t expect it to be any different on Sunday.”

Unfortunately for the Rockets, they could not play at Moscariello Field due to the field conditions, so they played at Pine Banks field in Melrose on June 8th against the 7th seed, Dartmouth High School. Once again, Ryan Marino had a dominant start on the mound, going six innings into the outing. Cooper Dean (‘26) relieved him in the seventh. The Rockets were trailing by 1 in the seventh, yet the mighty Rockets were able to score on a passed ball with two outs in the inning. Cooper Dean was able to lock it down in the eighth, giving the team a chance to win in the bottom of the inning. Nate Vitarisi walked it off on a single to left, able to drive in Jack Connelly to win 2-1. Onto the Final Four!

Their Final Four matchup kicked off on June 11th against the 6th seed, Somerset Berkley Regional High School. This time, the Rockets were able to capitalize at the plate. Riley Learned (‘24) hit a single to take the lead in the third inning. Alex Merkle drove in two RBIs alone with his double in the bottom of the sixth, extending the lead. Grady Ventura went five innings, while Chase Williams (‘27) secured the game in the sixth and seventh. They went on to win the game 5-2.

Reading vs. Walpole: When and Where?

The MIAA Division 2 Championship between Reading and Walpole will take place at Polar Park in Worcester at 6:00PM on April 14th. Tickets can only be purchased on the GoFan app, $16.75 a piece. The game will also be streaming on the NFHS website. The link is provided here to view all MIAA games: Reading Memorial High School – Reading, MA

Go Rockets!