No. 6 Maine South stays hot, downs Glenbrook South
May 8, 2012
By Drake Skleba
PARK RIDGE – Four games up with four games to go. That is where No. 6 Maine South (22-3; 12-0) sits atop the Central Suburban League-South Division standings after the Hawks’ 6-4 win over Glenbrook South on Tuesday.
Glenbrook South (18-8; 8-4) struck quickly in the top of the first inning against Maine South senior right-hander Pat Aloisio (8-0). Titan leadoff-man Nick Loggarakis singled to lead off the game. After a Aloisio strikeout, Titan senior first baseman Zach Jones hammered a shot over the right field fence for a quick 2-0 lead.
Unfazed, the Hawks soared back with four runs, three unearned, to grab a 4-2 lead after one. University of Iowa-bound Jimmy Frankos doubled and scored on an RBI single by University of Notre Dame-bound centerfielder Kyle Richardson to cut the Titan lead in half. A Titan miscue at third on a ball hit by junior second baseman Jesus Saavedra tied the game at 2-2.
The hero against New Trier last week, junior Frank Perrone, struck again with a clutch two-out, two-run single to give the Hawks a 4-2 lead.
“We played well and came out smoking and got enough runs to win this game,” said Perrone. “I had to shorten up with two strikes. I got around on it and came up with a big hit driving in two runs to help us win.”
In the bottom of the second, back-to-back RBI doubles from Richardson and senior third baseman Keenan Kelly made it 6-2 Hawks after two.
“We have worked for this all year. The seniors have all grown up together,” said Kelly. “It feels great for all of us together to win conference. I hit well today in my first two at-bats, my last two could have been better.”
In the fifth, GBS picked up an unearned run against Aloisio to cut the lead to 6-3. In the sixth the Hawk defense continued to implode around Aloisio with a pair of errors, which led to another unearned run.
Aloisio took matters into his own hands when he made a super play on a bunt by Loggarakis, and fired a strike to Frankos, who tagged out Titan right fielder George Stellas at the plate.
Maine South head coach Bill Milano went to his star closer Rocky Saavedra to get out the dangerous North Park University-bound Josiah Carlson. Carlson had doubled his last two at-bats against Aloisio. Saavedra dispatched Carlson on a fly to Hawk right fielder Lawrence Darlak.
“I thought we did a good job in all facets today,” said Aloisio. “I pitched pretty well today. I left the pitch up to Jones for my only bad pitch. (Sully) Stadler will be tough on Thursday.”
Saavedra allowed a single to Jones and Titan centerfielder Indiana-University Sully Stadler was out on a fielder’s choice. Saavedra got a popout to Kelly for the second out and then ended the game in style with a strikeout.
“We got off to a great start,” said Saavedra. “I just try to go out and throw strikes and save the games for this guy (Aloisio). GBS will be out for blood on Thursday. We have to start early again like we did today.”
University of Notre Dame-bound Hawk centerfielder Kyle Richardson led the Hawk attack with two hits and two RBI.
“The team is really playing great. We have to keep it going,” said Richardson. “I am really enjoying this run. I'm seeing the ball real well at the plate and am hitting it hard. Pat has been phenomenal for us and Rocky keeps closing big games for us.”
The two clubs meet again in Glenview on Thursday and another Hawk win will clinch the outright 2012 CSL-South championship.
“All our runs were scored in the first two innings,” said Milano. “Pat Aloisio was great for us. Rocky did another great job closing for us. A great win for us. Today was a great day for the Maine South Hawks.”
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