June 6, 2025- Add 13 more to Daniel Nafziger's (above) running career strikeout total.

The senior ace pitcher for High School East recorded the most strikeouts he has in a single game all season, and it couldn't have come at a better time— the state sectional title game against district rival High School South.

Nafziger led his team to a 6-1 victory Thursday night on the Raiders' home field, and he certainly wasn't without help.

Matthew Ferrara and Michael Vaccarino went deep, Joey DiMeo stole three bases and scored twice, and junior outfielder Lucas Melton brought back a would-be grand slam in the sixth inning with a spectacular catch.

🚨Highway Robbery in Toms River!!!🚨

Toms River South had the bases loaded against crosstown rival Toms River East in the 6th. Ben McEwan crushes a pitch to right, Lucas Melton TAKES AWAY A GRAND SLAM!!!! An incredible play by the Raiders right fielder👀

Toms River East wins… pic.twitter.com/1Prw3Q4bG5

— Jersey Sports Zone (@JSZ_Sports) June 6, 2025

The win puts the team, under head coach Keith Smicklo, at 20-6 on the season, and secures a date with Burlington in the semifinal round of NJSIAA tournament June 9.

High School South was valiant in the effort, and posed a legitimate threat to push it to a one-run game late before Melton's grab. The Indians finish the season at 18-9.

For the Raiders, it was certainly a sweet and fulfilling win, on their home field in front an estimated 2,500 fans, and with seven seniors on the roster just days from graduation (below).

Congratulations to High School East on the state sectional title, and to High School South on a fantastic season.

Additional photos from the exciting, all-Toms-River-Regional-Schools title game are below, courtesy of Allison Goodwin.