Barrington stays strong in MSL with win over Elk Grove

May 10, 2014

By Drake Skleba
Senior Writer

ELK GROVE -- Along the banks of beautiful Salt Creek, a possible Mid-Suburban League championship game preview between divisional leaders took place on Friday. Western Division leader Barrington scored all five of its runs after two outs and went on to defeat Eastern Division leader Elk Grove 5-2.The two MSL powers could meet again in the May 23 MSL Championship Game at 11, at the home of the Western Division champ.

Barrington (22-6; 10-2 West) got on the board in the second, when after two outs senior Dan Kubiuk ripped a double to the base of the left field fence. Junior third baseman Luke Johnson walked and both runners scored on a clutch, two-out, two-run double from senior Joey Sciaccotta.

“I tried to get on top of the ball and drive it,” said Sciaccotta.”I hit the ball well and got the job done. When we have runners on base with two outs, we are on a mission to get them home. We did a great job of that today. One of our goals is to win the MSL. Today we beat a very good team and added another step in that direction.”

The Broncos picked up single runs in the third and fourth innings to open up a 4-0 lead. Both runs were driven home on clutch two-out RBI singles, by senior Anthony Lombardi in the third and by junior Mitch Pfeiffer in the fourth.

“This was a big win for us with Schaumburg looming next week,” said Pfeiffer.”We hit very well today with two-outs, which is something we pride ourselves on. I had a very good day at the plate today.”

In the fifth the Broncos picked up their fifth run after two outs on a passed-ball.

On the mound for Barrington, sophomore Jake Zyzda (2-2) was dealing. Zyzda fired five scoreless innings at the Grenadiers, allowing just three harmless singles. Possibly tiring in the sixth, Zyzda gave up a double and one earned run, before being relieved by senior lefty Brad Powell.

“I battled out there on the mound today,” said Zyzda. “Being a sophomore, I learn so much about the game from my teammates. They’re a great group of guys.”

Elk Grove’s (16-8; 8-4) starting senior pitcher, Pete Arbov (6-2), doubled home the first Grenadier run of the game in the sixth. The Broncos returned the favor to the Grens, by giving them their second run of the game on a passed ball.

“We saw the real Jake Zyzda today,” said Barrington second-year head coach Pat Wire. “Jake threw very well for us. Clutch hitting, that was definitely the key to our victory today.”

On Monday and Wednesday of next week, both clubs will face-off with contenders in their respective divisions. Barrington will take on second-place-Schaumburg (14-4; 9-3) on Monday in Schaumburg and Wednesday in Barrington. Both games will be at 5. Yours Truly will be at Kirby Smith Field in Barrington, with all of the MSL West action.

Elk Grove, which now has fallen into a first-place tie with Prospect (16-9; 8-4), will battle third-place Rolling Meadows (11-12; 7-4) in Meadows on Monday and then along the banks of Salt Creek here in Elk Grove, on Wednesday. Both games will be at 5 due to Advance Placement Testing being done at all MSL schools.

“Give all the credit to Barrington,”said Elk Grove head coach Terry Beyna. “They received a well-pitched game, played fine defense and came up with numerous clutch two-out hits.”

Barrington stays strong in MSL with win over Elk Grove

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