The Cranston East and West baseball and softball teams are in the middle of their spring training schedules and are getting prepared for the 2024 season. Here is a look at where the teams stand as Opening Day approaches.

BASEBALL

Cranston East

Last year’s finish: 9-9 (lost in DI prelims)

Key returners: John Devine, Carlos Merejo, Jayden Tolentino

Key losses: Randy Guzman, Damon Ascencio

Outlook: The Bolts will be moving on without last year’s ace Randy Guzman, who will be competing for Division I Central Connecticut this coming spring. East will now turn to John Devine to lead the way as he looks to take another step toward being one of the state’s best after serving as a high-end No. 2 last season. Carlos Merejo, who will be joining Guzman next season, will be returning behind the plate and will be one of the state’s best middle-of-the-lineup bats.

Cranston West

Last year’s finish: 8-10 (lost in DI prelims)

Key returners: Alex Ceseretti, Dante Piscopiello, George Threats, Ryan Zarrella

Key losses: Nick Masse, Luciano Leone, Chris Piscione, Colby Kuzman

Outlook: The Falcons lost a significant core of talent from last season’s bunch but was fortunate to retain a large core of returning seniors that filled out the back of the lineup in 2023. It will be on them to not only guide West back to the postseason, but to take a step forward toward contendership in Division I. The biggest question will be how the team replaces the production of Colby Kuzman, who was among the state’s best outfielders and hitters last spring. West’s pitching depth will be able to carry the load in the early going while the offense puts things together.

SOFTBALL

Cranston East

Last year’s finish: 7-9 (lost in first round of DIII losers bracket)

Key returners: Nevaeh Fatorma, Jaeda Viveiros, Mariah Means-Waldorf, Kiara McGarty

Key losses: Jaylanie Rosado, Jazelle Monteiro

Outlook: The Bolts moved down to DIII last season and enjoyed a huge turnaround, winning seven more games than the winless season before and picking up a preliminary round victory over Davies. Jaylanie Rosado’s bat and leadership will be missed, but this young program will look to take another step forward and return to the postseason. Nevaeh Fatorma was one of the best players in the division and looks to have another huge campaign.

Cranston West

Last year’s finish: 14-3-1 (lost in 3rd round of DI losers bracket)

Key returners: Sofia Marella, Sam Healy, Siena Nardelli

Key losses: Paige Cote, Lyndsey Brandow, Alessandra Messina

Outlook: The Falcons continue to boast one of the state’s deepest rosters and are poised to once again be on the shortlist for Division I contenders this spring. West saw its top pitcher Paige Cote graduate and lost one of its best clutch performers in Lyndsey Brandow, however, the Falcons will have their leader behind the plate back in catcher Sofia Marella while also returning last year’s breakout stars Sam Healy and Siena Nardelli.