By Drake Skleba

RIVER FOREST – No. 1 St. Laurence (12-0; 2-0 Blue) had three simple ingredients to the Vikings’ 12^th consecutive victory to open up the 2012 season at Fenwick on Wednesday. The Viking offense put an eight-spot on the scoreboard in  the second and six more in the third innings and Viking junior RHP Zach Lewis (3-0) fired a five-inning no-hitter as St. Laurence crushed Fenwick 14-0.

After a scoreless first inning, the Vikings exploded for eight runs in the second inning. Senior RF Mike Solofra (2-for-2, 2B, 2 RBI) started things off with a double. UAB-bound Nick Altobella (3-for-3, 2 RBI) had the first of his three hits, driving in a run. Senior 1B Brian Mallder (2-for-3, 2 RBI) singled home a run and sophomores Brandon Wood (2-for-3, 4 RBI) and Mike Kornacker (1-foor-3, 2 RBI) drove home a pair with two RBI singles.

“Zach is a real competitor and we knew he has the stuff to throw a no-hitter everytime out,” said Solofra. “Fenwick had a good pitcher out there today and I was happy that I stayed within myself and helped ignite the big second inning for us.”

The top-ranked Vikings exploded in the third inning with a six-run outburst. Mallder, Wood and Solofra each had RBI hits. Lewis helped himself with an RBI hit and Altobella plated another with his third hit of the day.

“We put everything together today,” said Altobella.”Zach pitched great game for us and we supported Zach with 14 runs. I had a good swing on the ball today and am very happy with my performance.”  

Meanwhile on the mound, Lewis, who is ranked No. 20 in the Class of 2013, struggled with his control but did not allow a hit. Lewis struck out seven but walked five and hit a Fenwick batter.

“I was trying to work down but I battled out there tonight,” said Lewis. “I pitched well despite not having my best stuff.”

St. Laurence will meet De La Salle in Burbank at 4:30 on Thursday. The PBR’s Drake Skleba will be in Burbank with all of the action. Watch the game live on:

http://prepbaseballreport.highschoolcube.com

“We didn’t expect to score as much as we did against a quality team and pitcher,  “said St. Laurence coach Pete Lotus. “It was great to see us have the great offensive innings in the second and third innings. I am proud of how hard our kids have played this season.”

Fenwick falls to 7-2 and 1-2 in Chicago Catholic League White Division. The Friars will travel to Brother Rice on Thursday.