Marlboro’s baseball team is opening the 2019 season as the defending Section 9, Class B champions, and the Dukes are returning with many players who helped earn that title last year.

Fred Callo, Brendan Mahusky and Mike Paolo will pitch for the Dukes. And Christian Dioro will also help on the mound. Trevor Taylor and Kevin Correa will be their battery mates behind the plate.

Paolo and Callo will play first base, and Mike Greco will anchor the middle of the infield at second base. Sam Mongelli will fill the gap at shortstop. Next to Mongelli at third base will be Diorio and Mahusky. Eric Grezechowski, Alex Leduc and Will Logue will be the starting outfielders.

“No spot is guaranteed,” said John Morrissey, Marlboro’s coach. “The best players and the hardest workers will be in the game.”

The Dukes are the 2016 state Class B champions and almost always a perennial candidate to reach the sectional tournament. And that’s the goal again this season.

“Our expectations after winning sectionals last year are pretty simple: Work hard, have fun, and be the best that we can be. I am fortunate to have many returning players, which helps strengthen our team chemistry,” said Morrissey. “We have 20 guys on our current roster. I know that every player has a very important role, and I expect great things from each of them, on and off the field. I have very high expectation for my guys, and I am looking forward to nicer weather and some great ballgames!”