Naperville Central takes Round 1 in DVC showdown

May 3, 2014

By Drake Skleba
Senior Writer

NAPERVILLE - In the first game of a crucial DuPage Valley Conference three-game series, Naperville Central scored late to roll past Wheaton Warrenville South, 8-3, on Friday. The game was originally scheduled to be played in Wheaton, but unplayable field conditions caused the game to be moved to Naperville.

With the score tied at 3-3, Naperville Central (14-6; 9-1) won this one in the top of the sixth. With one out Redhawk shortstop Mike Kolzow singled, stole second, went to third on the second out of the inning and scored the lead run on an infield single from the fleet-footed senior centerfielder Jack Alberts. Alberts proceeded to steal an insurance run for the Redhawks. Alberts stole second and raced to third when the throw sailed into centerfield. Alberts would score on an infield single from leadoffman Jason Wegner (2-for-4 RBI).

“We have been hitting really well 1-9 and Brett Kirk did a great job on the mound for us,” said Alberts. “Coach Stock has really been working with me to go to left field. I feel I did that very well today.”

The Redhawks struck for two runs in the top of the first inning. With two outs, No.8 batter Dan Dolehide ripped an RBI single to center. Alberts followed with a two-out single to right, to put the Redhawks up 2-0. Redhawk cleanup man Luke Daley’s single made it 3-0 ‘Hawks in the third. Daley finished 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI.

“It was fun win for us against the team that was with us atop the conference standings,” said Daley. “I saw the ball well today and was hitting fastballs We have to come out with the same approach we did today and win the series tomorrow.”

Wheaton Warrenville South (9-5; 7-2) picked up an unearned run in the third and tied the game up in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI single from Tiger starting pitcher Connor Ostrander and a sac-fly from catcher Justin Kelly.

On the mound for the Redhawks, right-hander Brett Kirk (4-1) scattered nine hits and went the distance, allowing three runs. Kirk struck out eight and walked only one.

“My approach today was to pitch to contact and have them hit the ball to my defense,” said Kirk/ “Jack Alberts, Dan Dolehide and Mike Kolzow all made plays that really helped me out today. My slider was really working today. Most of my strikeouts were with the slider.”

The Redhawks busted the game open with a three-spot in the top of the seventh. The inning was highlighted by a two-run double from Kolzow.
“Brett Kirk was real tough for us today,” said Naperville Central head coach Mike Stock. “The bottom of our batting order has really been hitting well lately for us. Brett Kirk and Jack Alberts, two seniors who have really worked hard for us made this victory possible.”

The two clubs will meet in Wheaton on Saturday at 10 a.m. and finish the crucial series in Naperville on Monday at 4:30.

Naperville Central takes Round 1 in DVC showdown

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