Did you know that as a state, New Jersey has the 3rd most personal injury cases per capita? In fact, personal injury cases occurred at a rate of 30.34 per 100,000 capita, which is 218% higher than the national average of 9.53%. Perhaps even more alarming, personal injury cases account for 31% of New Jersey's entire caseload - 166% higher than the U.S. average, which lies at 11.65%. One look at those stats, and it's clear that thousands of men and women in New Jersey suffer from the unfortunate negligence of others.
The truth is, when an accident happens out of nowhere, even the most prepared New Jersey native can become a victim. Imagine driving home after a tough day at work, looking forward to relaxing, but suddenly, your life takes an unexpected turn due to someone else's negligence. Coping with the aftermath of personal injury accidents is a daunting task involving long-lasting pain, concerns about work, and worries about your loved ones.
Unfortunately, victims often fall prey to lowball settlement offers and provide official statements to insurance companies without a personal injury attorney in Midland Park, NJ. Once you accept a settlement offer or make an official statement, it becomes challenging to correct the situation. That's where William Gonzalez Law Group comes in - to protect your rights and fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
William N. Gonzalez was Born in 1961 in the Bronx. He moved to Puerto Rico in 1973, where he attended Middle School, High School, and freshman year at the Catholic University of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Ultimately, he transferred to John Jay College of Criminal Justice C.U.N.Y., earning a B.A. degree in 1984.
After completing that achievement, he attended Seton Hall School of Law from 1987 through 1990, earning a J.D. and admission into the New Jersey State Bar. Shortly after, he began working for various law firms until2002, when he became a solo practitioner in the Township of West New York.
Since that time, he has dedicated his practice to serving the community with honesty, integrity, and hard work. His practice was founded with the main purpose of helping those who face crisis and are in need of a personal injury lawyer in Midland Park, NJ, who sticks by their side.
Mr. Gonzalez focuses on a range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to.
If you're looking for a fearless attorney to fully represent you and to fight the good fight on your behalf, look no further than the William Gonzalez Law Group. Now that you're up-to-date on William Gonzalez's background and accomplishments, let's dig a little deeper into the nuances of personal injury law and the areas of law in which he focuses.
While there are many different types of personal injury cases in New Jersey, some are more common than others - especially those that involve motor vehicles and driving under the influence. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases that William Gonzalez helps clients overcome include.
Did you know that driver error is the leading cause of car accidents in New Jersey? The truth is that negligent drivers don't pay attention. They also don't adhere to traffic laws or use the right safety precautions. They often cause serious injuries by.
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, it is important to have a personal injury attorney in Midland Park, NJ, whom you can rely on. Your lawyer will help protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation possible according to local laws. Your car accident attorney will also collaborate with specialists such as investigators and accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of your injury and establish who is responsible for any damages.
There are more than eleven million trucks that operate daily across the United States, with drivers who work long hours and carry sensitive materials. In 2016, there were over 470,000 large truck and semi accidents, with human error accounting for 90% of those accidents. Truck accidents can cause injuries in several ways, such as if a truck carrying hazardous materials explodes or spills its contents, causing damage to surrounding drivers and property. Commercial trucks can also jackknife or lose control of their steering wheel, which can result in injuries to the driver or others involved in the accident.
Due to the massive size of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured due to a negligent truck driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or whose vehicle was poorly maintained, it's time to hire a trucks accident lawyer. Doing so quickly after your accident will help protect your rights against insurers and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you are at a higher risk of dying in an accident compared to other drivers. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. The good news? William Gonzalez is highly skilled when it comes to representing motorcycle accident clients and the injuries they sustain, including.
If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident because of another party's negligence, you can count on William Gonzalez as your advocate. It all starts with an initial consultation with a motorcycle injury attorney who truly understands New Jersey injury law.
If you have been injured while working, it can be a painful, confusing, and emotional experience. It can also be financially devastating for you and your family. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek the guidance of a qualified workers' compensation lawyer in New Jersey. The William Gonzalez Law Group has been successfully assisting injured workers for years. Mr. Gonzalez's goal is to get the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills and take care of your family while you recover. If you've suffered an injury while on the job that resulted in lost wages or ongoing pain and suffering, it's time to fight for financial compensation.
Injuries resulting from trips, slips, and falls can be severe and may include fractures, brain trauma, neck, and back injuries, among others. Recovering from a serious fall can take months, and the victim may experience lifelong health issues and incur substantial medical bills.
However, in New Jersey, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their property in a safe manner. If someone gets injured on their premises or property due to their negligence, the owner can be held liable. The victim has the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the injuries.
Some of the most common contributors to slip-and-fall accidents in New Jersey include.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in Midland Park, NJ, can provide assistance. Despite decades-long efforts by civic organizations to curb drunk driving, it remains a problem throughout the United States, including in New Jersey, which has strict DUI laws and enforcement.
William Gonzalez believes that prosecuting drunk driving accidents not only helps clients recover compensation for their injuries but also serves as a warning to others who may consider driving under the influence.
When an accident, incident, or illness causes you physical injury or emotional pain and suffering, it is referred to as personal injury. For example, suppose you are involved in a car accident and experience a traumatic brain injury. In that case, you have the right to seek compensation for the expenses related to treating and recovering from your physical injuries. You're also entitled to financial compensation for the emotional distress you may have suffered as a result of the injury.
There are three general terms you should be familiar with as it relates to personal injury law in New Jersey:
Experiencing pain and suffering is not always limited to physical injuries. It can also affect one's emotional well-being, which may require the help of a mental health professional to properly document. Consulting with a mental health professional can help determine the extent of any potential psychological issues that may have arisen from your incident.
To provide accurate documentation of your emotional pain and suffering, it is important to record how your daily activities have been impacted and how you may no longer be able to participate in activities that you once enjoyed. This might include difficulties in communication or the inability to enjoy outings that were once pleasurable.
When someone experiences physical injury as a result of an accident, such as a car accident, they may sue for compensation for the harm done to their body. This compensation can help cover the costs of medical bills, surgeries, physical therapy, home care equipment, or any other expenses needed to aid in their recovery from the injury.
Emotional distress can be difficult to prove, especially when it involves defamation of character or threats to one's physical safety. It's important to understand, however, that emotional distress is valid. You have the right to seek compensation for any fear or trauma you have experienced and should not hesitate to fight for what you deserve.
If you have suffered a serious injury due to an accident, it's time to protect yourself and your family with the help of a personal injury attorney in Midland Park, NJ. Unlike your lawyer, the insurance companies involved in your personal injury case are not on your side and are known for presenting offers that don't fairly compensate you for your losses.
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
According to New Jersey law, there are four elements that must be covered when trying to prove negligence in personal injury cases. Those elements include the following.
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
According to legal duty, the defendant has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the victim and prevent harm. In New Jersey, drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely in regard to other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Businesses are legally obliged to maintain their premises in a safe manner, ensuring there are no hazards such as ice, snow, or slippery floors.
To prove that the defendant is responsible for an accident, it must be shown that they behaved in a way that they knew could cause harm to others. Additionally, it must be demonstrated that a reasonable person in the same situation would have acted differently. For instance, it is common knowledge that driving a car, truck, or motorcycle under the influence can lead to an accident.
One of the biggest reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer in Midland Park, NJ, is so they can prove that your injuries are a direct result of the other party's breach of duty. This means that you need to demonstrate that your injuries occurred due to the defendant's actions. To do so, it is recommended that you seek medical attention from a physician who can document your injuries and confirm that they were caused or worsened by the defendant's negligence. It is crucial to document your injuries with a doctor, as it can be difficult to obtain compensation for injuries that were not properly documented.
When filing a claim, you must show proof of loss, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.
If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, you should act fast to file a claim and hire a lawyer. In New Jersey, you only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim. If you fail to file a claim within the time frame set by the statute of limitations, you will lose your opportunity to do so. In most cases, if you attempt to file a claim after the two-year deadline, the defendant will file a motion to dismiss. There are very few exceptions where a personal injury claim may be filed beyond the two-year mark.
The William Gonzalez Law Group specializes in helping you get back on track after a setback. With decades of experience in personal injury law, Mr. Gonzalez can assist you in cases such as car crashes, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, workers' compensation cases, and more.
When you are unable to work, have mounting bills and medical expenses, and your quality of life is affected, you need a strong and reliable advocate on your side, and William Gonzalez is the man to call for help. Whether you need assistance with a complex personal injury case or need trustworthy, easy-to-understand legal advice, contact the William Gonzalez Law Group today.
AB R H RBI 1B 2B 3B HR BB HBP SB AVG SLG Dom Parenti 3 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 ...
AB | R | H | RBI | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | HBP | SB | AVG | SLG | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dom Parenti | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .667 | 1.000 |
Dylan Ianiero | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .000 | .000 |
Dominic Long | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Owen Reynolds | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Luke Jones | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Marcus Lavornia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Sean Hughes | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .667 |
Chris Kozak | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
James Matula | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Lucas Blanco | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Dalton Michael | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 1.000 |
Totals: | 22 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | .273 | .364 |
AB | R | H | RBI | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | HBP | SB | AVG | SLG | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ryan Fleming | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Chase Shortway | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Braiden Russell | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | 1.000 |
Conor Shortway | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Anthony Carrea | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Ryan Kuhnel | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Ryan Natoli | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | .000 | .000 |
Connor Detrick | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Jason Vivino | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Totals: | 22 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | .182 | .182 |
M | MP | |
---|---|---|
Fielding | ||
Errors | - | - |
Passed Balls | - | - |
Batting | ||
Hits | 6 | 3 |
Left On Base | - | - |
Sacrifice Flies | - | - |
Sacrifice Hits | - | - |
Pitching | ||
Wild Pitches | - | - |
AB R H RBI 1B 2B 3B HR BB HBP SB AVG SLG Antonio Esposito 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 ...
AB | R | H | RBI | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | HBP | SB | AVG | SLG | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Antonio Esposito | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Mike Wewna | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | .000 | .000 |
Alex Skwarek | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Sean Budis | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .667 |
Dominick Condo | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Anthony Orlando | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Nico Deluca | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Dominick Russo | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Jonny Breunig | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Jayden Chauca | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | .000 |
Totals: | 23 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | .087 | .130 |
AB | R | H | RBI | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | HBP | SB | AVG | SLG | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ryan Fleming | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .500 | .500 |
Chase Shortway | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Braiden Russell | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Conor Shortway | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .667 | 1.000 |
Anthony Carrea | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Ryan Kuhnel | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .500 | .500 |
Ryan Natoli | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Connor Detrick | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Jason Vivino | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Ralph Warner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Totals: | 22 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | .273 | .318 |
B | MP | |
---|---|---|
Fielding | ||
Errors | 2 | - |
Passed Balls | - | - |
Batting | ||
Hits | 2 | 6 |
Left On Base | 4 | 8 |
Sacrifice Flies | - | 1 |
Sacrifice Hits | - | - |
Pitching | ||
Wild Pitches | - | - |
AB R H RBI 1B 2B 3B HR BB HBP SB AVG SLG Chris Collins 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 ...
AB | R | H | RBI | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | HBP | SB | AVG | SLG | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chris Collins | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Dylan Miller | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Ryan Miller | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Jack Tucker | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Tyler Haberstroh | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Zack Clarken | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .500 | .500 |
Luca Rastello | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Ryder Accardi | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Alex Opilla | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Totals: | 23 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .087 | .087 |
AB | R | H | RBI | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | HBP | SB | AVG | SLG | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ryan Fleming | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .667 | .667 |
Chase Shortway | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Braiden Russell | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Conor Shortway | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Anthony Carrea | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .667 |
Ryan Kuhnel | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Ryan Natoli | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .500 | .500 |
Connor Detrick | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Jason Vivino | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Totals: | 23 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | .217 | .261 |
WV | MP | |
---|---|---|
Fielding | ||
Errors | 3 | 3 |
Passed Balls | - | - |
Batting | ||
Hits | 2 | 3 |
Left On Base | 4 | 6 |
Sacrifice Flies | - | - |
Sacrifice Hits | 1 | 1 |
Pitching | ||
Wild Pitches | - | - |
Coming into the 2025 season, Midland Park’s Braiden Russell was not a starting pitcher.A fiery closer on the mound who releases from a 12 o’clock angle, Russell competes with an unmistakable passion.Top 5 | Midland Park 4, Indian Hills 3@Braidenruss2026 gets 2 Ks this inning, and has 4 overall pic.twitter.com/LXqMgw2qys— PJ P...
Coming into the 2025 season, Midland Park’s Braiden Russell was not a starting pitcher.
A fiery closer on the mound who releases from a 12 o’clock angle, Russell competes with an unmistakable passion.
Top 5 | Midland Park 4, Indian Hills 3@Braidenruss2026 gets 2 Ks this inning, and has 4 overall pic.twitter.com/LXqMgw2qys
— PJ Potter (@PJ_Potter) June 3, 2025
The junior right-hander had jokingly told his coaches all season long that he wanted his turn in the rotation, never quite expecting he’d actually be the guy getting the start in the biggest game of the year.
But after a couple of injuries to the Panthers’ staff, that’s exactly what happened.
On Tuesday, June 3 in Midland Park, in a postseason game that took twists and turns for both second-seeded Midland Park and sixth-seeded Indian Hills - whether it was big-time defensive plays or scoring in bunches - Braiden Russell found himself in the middle of it all.
Russell thrived in the chaos that was the NJSIAA North 1 Group 1 sectional semifinal, forging six strong innings to keep Midland Park on track.
He also delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the sixth inning, slicing a line drive down the left-field line to score Jason Vivino for the team’s first run in four innings.
“There was no way I was going down in that at-bat. There was just no way,” Russell said.
Handing the ball over to senior Connor Detrick - normally a starter - in the seventh inning, Midland Park hung on for the win.
Detrick fired a three-pitch save, securing the 5-4 Midland Park victory. The Panthers advance to the N1G1 sectional championship on June 5, where they will go for the program’s first section crown in history.
Just three weeks ago, Russell was given his first opportunity as a starter. Against Waldwick, he spun 10 strikeouts in six scoreless innings, but also walked six batters.
According to Russell, that sort of outing did not live up to the Midland Park gold standard that his teammates, Connor Detrick, Ryan Natoli, and Anthony Carrea have displayed in 2025.
“It was harder than I thought,” Russell said. “I wasn’t ready to be a starting pitcher at first. I had to figure it out.”
In two postseason starts (six scoreless innings against Butler on May 27), Russell has combined for 12 1/3 innings, walking just four total batters, including only one on Tuesday. He produced four strikeouts, which brings him to 47 total this spring.
“Braiden’s tough. His mentality as a pitcher has grown so much,” Midland Park head coach Frank Clark said. “He’s a real pitcher now. He’s a big-game pitcher.”
Indian Hills (13-11) had an opportunity to take the lead in the sixth inning. The Braves’ starting pitcher, Jack Birrer helped himself out with a game-tying RBI triple down the line in right field with one out to score Nico Speciale.
With the potential go-ahead run just 90 feet away, Russell didn’t let the pressure crush him. He quickly induced a soft grounder towards third base for an out, but Midland Park third baseman Shane O’Shea took it one step further.
The freshman tagged the runner out at third base for the second out, and despite his momentum going the opposite way, fired a throw to the first baseman’s chest for the final out, causing a Panther eruption in the dugout and beyond.
“Shane didn’t bat today. The kid is a mentally-strong freshman who only had to focus on playing a strong third base,” Clark said.
“These guys took Shane under his wing and believed in him. For him to come up with that play made all the difference. We are so proud of him.”
Midland Park (19-8-1) was able to put up a four-spot in the home-half of the second inning.
They were the first to grab the momentum, which saw the first four batters reach base.
Connor Shortway walked, then Anthony Carrea (2-for-3) and Ryan Kuhnel (2-for-3) each singled to load the bases.
Natoli then poked an infield RBI single for the game’s first run. In all three playoff games this tournament, Midland Park has scored first.
The Panthers wheeled two more runs on an error, and then Chase Shortway capped the frame with an RBI knock up the middle.
The Braves immediately responded with three runs to cut their deficit to one.
Matt O’Shaughnessy smacked an RBI double, followed by Nico Speciale’s RBI base hit. O’Shaughnessy, while standing on third base, scampered home following a pickoff attempt at first base.
Neither team would score for the two full innings, but each squad displayed some elite defensive prowess.
For Indian Hills, Speciale - at second base - somersaulted backwards on a pop-up. He managed to hang on to the baseball for the first out of the third inning.
For Midland Park, Connor Shortway flashed some leather at second base, too. Diving up the middle in the top-half of the third, he corralled a hard-hit line drive for the third out.
In the fourth, Panther catcher Chase Shortway threw a runner out at second base for the final out of the fourth inning.
For the first out of the top of the seventh, Jason Vivino sprinted towards the foul line in right field, slid on his knees, and made the grab for the putout.
Shortstop Ryan Fleming owned the second inning. He made a savvy double play, all by himself, by gobbling up a grounder, running to second base, then throwing to first.
He closed out the second inning in funky fashion. With a runner trying to steal second base, Fleming ran towards the bag, but the ball was hit in play. It fluttered in the opposite direction of Fleming’s run, but he showed off some athleticism by stopping in his tracks, falling towards the ball, back-handing the ground ball, then throwing to first base for the third out.
“Our defense is so important. These guys trust each other to make these plays, but boy were some of those plays impressive,” Clark said.
Midland Park has never won a sectional championship. They were knocked out of the first round of the state tournament in each of the last two seasons, and prevailed in an up-and-down 2025 season.
Tallying separate winning streaks of six games, five games, and four games (twice), the Panthers are looking to make history.
They will go for their first-ever N1G1 title at home against fourth-seeded Wallkill Valley on Thursday.
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PJ Potter covers North and Central Jersey baseball. He can be reached at ppotter@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @PJ_Potter
Game LeadersRunsMatt O'ShaughnessyIndian Hills1 #47 Conor ShortwayMidland Park1HitsNicholas SpecialeIndian Hills2 #12 Anthony CarreaMidland Park2RBIMatt O'ShaughnessyIndian Hills1 #21 Braiden RussellMidland Park1Home RunsLJ RenshawIndian Hills0 #21 Braiden RussellMidland Park0...
Runs
Matt O'Shaughnessy
Indian Hills
1
#47 Conor Shortway
Midland Park
1
Hits
Nicholas Speciale
Indian Hills
2
#12 Anthony Carrea
Midland Park
2
RBI
Matt O'Shaughnessy
Indian Hills
1
#21 Braiden Russell
Midland Park
1
Home Runs
LJ Renshaw
Indian Hills
0
#21 Braiden Russell
Midland Park
0
Strikeouts
LJ Renshaw
Indian Hills
0
#21 Braiden Russell
Midland Park
5
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Indian Hills (13-11) | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 1 |
Midland Park (21-9-1) | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 1 |
WP: Braiden Russell
LP: Jack Birrer
PJ Potter | Jun 3, 2025
Indian Hills Batting
AB | R | H | RBI | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | HBP | SB | AVG | SLG | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LJ Renshaw | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Matt O'Shaughnessy | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .667 |
Nicholas Speciale | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .667 | .667 |
Ben Piotrowski | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Jack Birrer | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | 1.000 |
Charlie Brugna | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Ryan Hurley | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Brandon Norton | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 |
Dylan Biernacki | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Totals: | 25 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | .280 | .400 |
Midland Park Batting
AB | R | H | RBI | 1B | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | HBP | SB | AVG | SLG | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Braiden Russell | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .250 | .250 |
Connor Detrick | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Ryan Fleming | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .250 | .250 |
Chase Shortway | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .250 | .250 |
Conor Shortway | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 |
Anthony Carrea | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .667 | .667 |
Ryan Kuhnel | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .667 | .667 |
Ryan Natoli | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .667 | .667 |
Jason Vivino | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .667 | .667 |
Totals: | 30 | 5 | 11 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .367 | .367 |
Indian Hills Pitching
PIT | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | HB | ERA | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LJ Renshaw | 5 | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Jack Birrer (LP) | 97 | 5.2 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.24 |
Totals: | 102 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1.17 |
Midland Park Pitching
PIT | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | HB | ERA | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Braiden Russell (WP) | 73 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 4.67 |
Connor Detrick | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Totals: | 76 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 4.00 |
IH | MP | |
---|---|---|
Fielding | ||
Errors | 1 | 1 |
Passed Balls | - | - |
Batting | ||
Hits | 7 | 11 |
Left On Base | - | - |
Sacrifice Flies | - | - |
Sacrifice Hits | - | - |
Pitching | ||
Wild Pitches | - | - |