Vote Now: Longplex Athlete of the Week Baseball Nominees Heat Up Rhode Island Spring Season

Rhode Island's high school baseball season is underway in earnest, and this week's Longplex Athlete of the Week nominees represent the best performances from the opening stretch of action across the state.

The weekly poll, published every Monday morning and open through Friday, recognizes standout players from all three Rhode Island divisions. This week's ballot features five athletes who made their presence felt in the season's first full week of games.

West Warwick's Nick Andruchow sparked his team to a 3-0 week in Division II, including a statement win against rival Coventry. The junior crushed a two-run homer in the season opener against North Providence, the defending league champions, then delivered the go-ahead two-run single in the top of the ninth inning to complete a 6-4 comeback victory over Coventry — a Division I opponent.

Cumberland's Micah Cousineau has been a catalyst for a Clippers squad that plated 17 runs across a 2-0 week. He compiled three hits in a 7-2 win over South Kingstown and followed with three hits, three RBI and a pair of runs scored in a 10-0 shutout of Westerly.

La Salle's Axel da Silva has kept the Rams among the hottest teams in the state. He slugged a two-run homer in a mercy-rule win over Portsmouth, delivered the sole run with a solo home run in a 1-0 shutout of Bishop Feehan, and added two more hits in an 7-5 extra-inning victory over Smithfield.

East Providence's Ben Hallene announced his return with authority, firing a no-hitter in the season opener against Smithfield. The left-hander struck out seven over 94 pitches, walking just two batters. The performance marked his first career no-hitter, a milestone achieved after recovering from an elbow injury sustained last season.

Bishop Hendricken's Dylan Poloski contributed on both sides of the ball, striking out four while cracking a solo home run in an opening victory against Coventry. He added three hits and three RBI in a Saturday showdown against Bishop Feehan from Massachusetts, delivering a walkoff double in a 7-6 triumph.

Voting runs through Friday. Coaches and athletic directors can submit nominations via the Game Changer app, by phone at (401) 277-7340, or via email at [email protected].