Downers Grove North Pulls Away Early From Glenbard West
April 29, 2021
Downers Grove North and Glenbard West squared off on Thursday in a West Suburban Conference matchup. The Trojans of Downers Grove North used a couple of big innings that proved to be the difference as they withstand a late comeback push from Glenbard West to get the win 10-5.
Downers Grove North (4-4) came out swinging in the bottom of the first inning. Senior David Marshall led off the frame by drawing a walk. This set up sophomore Tony Konopiots, who went on to smoke a single to right field and advance Marshall to third. Freshman George Wolkow, a South Carolina commit, would go on to single on a hard ground ball through the left side of the infield scoring Marshall to make it 1-0 in favor of the Trojans. Senior Elijah Carter then roped a triple over the right fielder’s head which would clear the bases and make the score 3-0. A couple of batters later, Sophomore Sean Ryniec, would go on to rip a single up the middle to plate two more runs and make it 5-0 Trojans.
Glenbard West (5-6) would make a late charge in the top of the sixth and cut into what was a 10-1 Trojan lead at the time. With two outs, senior Sam Ford drew a walk to extend the inning. Junior Trevor Metz would then reach base via an error by the second baseman, which also advanced Ford to third. Senior Noah Kaye proceeded to rip a single to centerfield and score Ford to make it 10-2. Senior Jimmy Zydlo would then come up and deliver a bases clearing triple to right field and cut the deficit to 10-4. Junior Nolan King singled up the middle to follow and make the score 10-5.
The Trojans used a big four run fourth inning to take a commanding 10-0 lead at the time. Marshall led off the inning with another walk and Konopiots delivered another single to advance Marshall to third. Senior Lucas Nielsen lined a ball to centerfield which would bring home Marshall and Konopiots to make it 8-0 at the time. Wolkow followed with a sharply hit single up the middle to advance Nielsen to third. Later, a bases-loaded walk to Jack Miller would force home a run making it 9-0 and Wolkow would go on to score on a wild pitch and make it 10-0 Trojans.
The Trojans were led on the mound by junior Jack Miller. Miller went 4 innings while allowing just one hit, one earned run and striking out 8. His fastball sat comfortably at 81-84 mph in the first inning with sink. Curveball was thrown around 70-72 mph with 10/4 to 11/5 shape. Saw one changeup at 77 mph in the bottom of the zone.
Notable Performances:
Lucas Nielsen (2-4, 3 RBIs) Downers Grove North
George Wolkow (2-4, 2 RBIs) Downers Grove North
Tony Konopiots (2-4) Downers Grove North
Elijah Carter (2-3) Downers Grove North
Jimmy Zydlo (1-3, 2 RBIs) Glenbard West
Noah Kaye (1-1, RBI) Glenbard West
Nolan King (1-3, RBI) Glenbard West
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