Clarke's Joe Fusco makes a diving catch for the out...

Clarke's Joe Fusco makes a diving catch for the out against Division. (April 11, 2013) Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy

The playoffs have just kicked off in Nassau, and we’ve already seen some great performances in those opening games. Here are a few of the players who stood out in opening round games and a few who finished the regular season with strong efforts.

Austin Bilello, Lynbrook

Bilello allowed one run and struck out 10 in a complete-game win over Valley Stream South on May 6 and paced the offense by going 4-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs.

Joe Fusco, Clarke

Fusco came up big in Clarke’s Conference A-VI clinching win, hitting two home runs and striking out 11 while picking up the victory on the mound.

Jake Laine, Syosset

Laine pitched a two-hit shutout with seven strikeouts in Syosset’s 1-0 victory over Farmingdale in its opening game in the Class AA playoffs.

Anthony Pensato, Plainedge

Pensato led Plainedge over Division on May 6 by going 2-for-3 with a home run and scoring three runs. He also threw a three hit-shutout with six strikeouts in Plainedge’s first-round playoff win over Hewlett on May 11.

Kyle Ritchie, Garden City

Ritchie faced off against Wantagh ace Adam Aponte for the second time in a week and came away successful during the second matchup. Ritchie pitched a two-hit shutout to propel the Trojans in the first game of the Class A playoffs.

Aaron Rosenthal, Island Trees

Rosenthal pitched a one-hitter with one run allowed and 14 strikeouts in Island Trees' win over West Hempstead on May 6.

Matt Rothstein, Wheatley

Rothstein pitched a no-hitter with 17 strikeouts and two walks in his last start of the regular season against Malverne on May 6 and followed it up with a dominating four hit, 11 strikeout effort in Wheatley’s opening round playoff game against Carle Place on May 11.

Jake Schwartz, Bellmore JFK

Schwartz went 3-for-6 with a grand slam and seven RBIs and capped his day with a walk-off two-run single to lead Bellmore JFK 11-10 over Mepham in a first-round playoff game.

Chris Stein, Bethpage

Stein pitched eight no-hit innings and struck out 10 batters in Bethpage’s 13-inning 2-1 win over North Shore in the first round of the playoffs on May 11.

Jack Zagaja, St. Dominic

The St. Dominic senior went 3-for-4 with three home runs, four runs scored and five RBIs in a victory over Holy Trinity on May 13.

Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Credit: Newsday

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Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Credit: Newsday

One-on-one with Gilgo DA ... What's up on LI ... Plays of the Week ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

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