Pirates Keep Calm in Rough Waters

A former Cape-Atlantic League standout is doing some all-star work behind the bench this season.

Former Absegami Brave Mike Isgro is now the man steering the ship for the Cedar Creek baseball program in 2014. His Pirates are the winners of seven straight, and have solidified themselves as one of the toughest teams in all of South Jersey entering the home stretch of the regular season.

A testament to that toughness has been their success in crucial late-inning situations; perhaps no team has stayed cooler in the clutch, as evidenced by their 11-inning road victory against St. Joseph this week.

We asked him about some of the habits he's instilled in his players, what's unique about the culture of Cedar Creek and its community, and what goals he's setting for his Pirates this season.

Here's our exclusive interview with Cedar Creek head baseball coach Mike Isgro:

Here’s a preview of some of the other interviews from this week’s edition of the South Jersey Sports Report:

Press of Atlantic City reporter Mike McGarry has the very latest on the phenom that is Mike Trout, and why a recent press conference proves that the Millville native is still just a "regular guy"
One of South Jersey's best high school baseball coaches has reached a big milestone with his 300th victory last week. We spoke with the man behind the Ocean City Red Raiders about replacing his outgoing talent with underclassmen players, and how the landscape of the Cape-Atlantic League is much different this season
Courier-Post sports report Kevin Minnick has more on a breaking point for some local high school teams in the spring sports season
A Buena Regional junior has added his name to the list of South Jersey pitchers to throw a no-hitter this season. Listen in as he reveals how early he starts thinking "perfection" in every start, and what went into his early commitment to a top college baseball program
The honors and accolades are piling up for one of South Jersey's best athletes, and now he's on his way to an elite college track & field program. Find out what goes into his daily training regiment, and why he's always got more than one strategy on race day
It's opening weekend for one of the most inspirational venues in South Jersey, and hundreds of volunteers are lining up to make a difference for local kids. Find out what's new at the facility this year, and how you can come out and be a part of the magic in Absecon

Listen to this week's show:

Ishmael Muhammad, Oakcrest Falcons track & field competitor

Kevin Minnick, Courier-Post sports reporter

Fran Northridge, Public Relations with South Jersey Field of Dreams

Denny Brady, Buena Regional Chiefs junior pitcher

John Ohlsen, Egg Harbor Township head lacrosse coach

Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City sports reporter

Craig Mensinger, Ocean City head baseball coach

We'd also like to congratulate ALL 5 WINNERS for our South Jersey Athlete of the Week vote:

Marty Ortiz, Cedar Creek baseball - He delivered a go-ahead single in the 11th inning of 3-2 victory over St. Joe. Ortiz broke open a tie that required four extra innings of action and sent Cedar Creek to its seventh straight win.

Matt Bolle, Wildwood baseball - The senior starred in a 5-0 victory over Salem, securing a no-hitter. He is the first Warriors pitcher to accomplish the feat in 10 seasons.

Denny Brady, Buena baseball - He tossed a no-hitter and hit a home run in a 3-0 win over Ocean City. Brady, who is committed to play at East Carolina University, struck out nine batters.

Cheyenne Meyer, Cedar Creek softball - The junior slugged a game-winning grand slam and struck out 16 batters in a 6-2 win over Holy Spirit. She surrendered just two hits in the contest.

Andy Dilks, Clearview baseball - He struck out 12 batters, including the final six he faced in a compete-game effort against Clearview. Dilks allowed just three hits in a 3-2 win.

It's all right here on The South Jersey Sports Report.

Listen every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on 97.3 ESPN-FM or 973espn.com. You can also catch the expanded edition of the show every Thursday night from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Follow Tyler Donohue on Twitter @TDsTake