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No. 19 Brother Rice erupts late to down ACC

March 30, 2014

By Drake Skleba
Senior Writer

ELMHURST - Aurora Central Catholic third baseman Mike Fidler had just hammered a monster two-run blast to left to tie Brother Rice at 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth. In a game played Sunday at Immaculate Conception’s Plunkett Park, the only mistake Brother Rice starting and winning pitcher Ian McGinnis would make seemed to awaken his teammates’ bats. After two outs, in the top of the fifth, the Crusaders erupted for four runs and went on to an 11-2 victory over Aurora Central Catholic.

No. 19 Brother Rice (6-1) had four clutch two-out RBI hits in their fateful fifth. Sophomore Andy Dyke and senior Brian Musielak had RBI singles. Senior 3B Kevin Biondic and red-hot senior CF Erich Leiser had RBI doubles for the Crusaders. Biondic had a perfect day the plate going 3-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI. For Leiser, the RBI was a team-leading 11th for the year.
“Ian pitched really well for us today,” said Biondic. “I was able to get some good pitches to hit and I worked really hard in the off-season and it’s rewarding to have had such a fast start at the plate this season.”

McGinnis (1-1) was brilliant on the mound, allowing just three hits and the two-run homer. He struck out seven and did not walk man in his six-inning stint.
“I really focused on getting ahead of the hitters,” said McGinnis. “I had all of my pitches working and my defense was great behind me. After I gave up the home run, Coach McCarthy really got on us and the team really responded well.”

Concordia University-bound Musielak finished with two hits and two RBI.

“It was great to be playing in warmer weather today. We have played all week in 35-degree temperatures,” said Musielak. “It was great to get in the groove early at the plate and have a good game. I’ve been really struggling so far this season. We are really confident about the upcoming season.”

Brother Rice senior Jake Berry launched a two-run blast over the left field fence in the vicinity of where Fidler’s shot landed, in the top of the seventh.

Aurora Central Catholic, fresh off of their sweep at home of Somonauk, falls to 2-1 on the campaign.
“We were right in the game at 2-2 and then it just got away from us,” said ACC head coach Sean Bieterman. “We’ll be fine. I’m confident we’re going to have a fine season.”

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