New Providence Reds NJABL Championship 2026

The New Providence Reds defeated the 908 Panthers 6-0 in NJABL Summer North Championship playoff action on Sunday, August 16, at Weequahic Park in Newark, advancing to the Summer North Championship game against the Panthers scheduled for Sunday with first pitch at 12:30 p.m. at JP Stevens High School in Edison.

Michael Pierce took the mound and delivered eight innings of shutout baseball, allowing just one hit and striking out twelve batters to earn his second playoff win. The two-time league Cy Young Award winner controlled the game throughout. Ryan Grill closed out the ninth inning, allowing only one hit to complete the shutout.

The Reds scored three runs in the third inning to build early lead. Devin Cumiskey reached on a Panthers third baseman error, stole second, and scored. Nadell Booker singled to left field for the first run. Nick Draben singled and stole second, scoring on a Rahul Oza single to right field for the second run. Booker scored on a passed ball to push the Reds to 3-0.

Rob Grasso, the reigning league MVP, extended the lead with a solo home run over the left field fence in the seventh inning—his fourth of the season. Grasso finished 2-for-4 with a single and the home run. In the eighth, Ryan Grill reached first on a passed third strike, and a catcher's throwing error allowed Draben and Booker to both score, setting the final at 6-0.

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Hitting Performance and Offensive Contributions

Christian Benward went 2-for-4 with a single and double. Nick Santacross was 1-for-1 with a single, drew a hit-by-pitch, and stole a base. Matt Nesto went 1-for-4 with a single that marked his 200th career NJABL hit. The Reds' offense built lead early and maintained control throughout.

Shutout Streak

The playoff victory marked the Reds' second consecutive shutout win. The prior day, August 15, New Providence shut out the NJ Mariners 10-0 at Oakwood Park in New Providence. Back-to-back shutout victories demonstrate strong pitching and defensive execution heading into championship game.

Panthers Recent History

Heading into Sunday's game, the Reds' only two losses of the season had both come against the Panthers, by scores of 2-1 and 3-1. The 3-1 defeat one week earlier had put New Providence into the loser's bracket. The Panthers entered Sunday's playoff game having lost only once—to the Reds on Father's Day, 18-8. The playoff shutout represents significant turnaround from earlier season matchups.

NJABL Championship Game Upcoming

The championship game is scheduled for Sunday (date to be confirmed in coming days) with first pitch at 12:30 p.m. at JP Stevens High School in Edison. The Reds will face the Panthers in rematch for league title.

New Providence Reds Program and History

The Reds are managed by Matt Sommo and assisted by Matt Nesto and Derek Nesto, all of New Providence. The team competes in the New Jersey Amateur Baseball League. The program has won multiple championships: Metal Division Championship (2013, 2014), Intermediate Wood Championship (2016), Summer South Championship (2021, 2022), and Summer North Championship (2025).

Team Sponsorship and Community Support

The Reds are sponsored by MGL Printing Solutions (154 South Street), Harlee's Tap & Grille (1260 Springfield Ave.), and NP Fuel (50 South St.), all in New Providence. NP Fuel serves as the team's 2026 Grand Slam Sponsor. Community business sponsorship enables amateur league operation and team support.

Michael Pierce Cy Young Recognition

Pierce, a two-time league Cy Young Award winner, demonstrated championship-caliber pitching with eight shutout innings. The performance exemplifies Pierce's consistent excellence and league recognition.

For New Providence residents and NJABL supporters, the Reds' playoff advancement sets championship game matchup against the Panthers.

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Photo Credit: New Jersey Amateur Baseball League Facebook Page

FAQ

Q: Did the New Providence Reds win their playoff game?
A: Yes. The Reds defeated the 908 Panthers 6-0 on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in NJABL Summer North Championship playoff action.

Q: When is the New Providence Reds championship game?
A: The championship game is scheduled for Sunday with first pitch at 12:30 p.m. at JP Stevens High School in Edison. (Check for specific date announcement.)

Q: Who pitched for the Reds in the playoff game?
A: Michael Pierce pitched eight innings of shutout baseball, allowing one hit and striking out twelve batters. Ryan Grill pitched the ninth inning.

Q: What is Michael Pierce's credentials?
A: Pierce is a two-time league Cy Young Award winner.

Q: Who hit the home run for the Reds?
A: Rob Grasso, the reigning league MVP, hit a solo home run over the left field fence in the seventh inning. It was his fourth home run of the season.

Q: What is the Reds' championship history?
A: The Reds have won Metal Division Championship (2013, 2014), Intermediate Wood Championship (2016), Summer South Championship (2021, 2022), and Summer North Championship (2025).

Q: What league do the New Providence Reds play in?
A: The New Jersey Amateur Baseball League (NJABL).

Q: Who manages the New Providence Reds?
A: Matt Sommo is the manager, with Matt Nesto and Derek Nesto as assistants. All three are from New Providence.