Burlington Central rolls to another big win

Talk about Burlington Central's big hitters and Zach Romando's name probably won't be among the first mentioned.

But the Rockets' diminutive shortstop came up big Monday, hitting 3 home runs as the Rocketss defeated Hampshire, 17-2 in a Big Northern East baseball game at Hampshire.

The win was the Rockets' 17th straight. They are now 6-0 in the Big Northern East.

Tanner Scott, Austin Jarvis and winning pitcher Nick Hahn went deep back-to-back-to-back in the seventh inning, when the Rockets scored 9 times.

Sam Klein had 5 hits, and Romando and Scott each had 5 RBI for Central (23-1 overall).

"My swing was feeling good. I've been hitting well lately, but as a team, one through nine, it's just been outstanding," said Romando, who had 1 home run coming in.

"We were patient, we let (Hampshire starter Kent Larson) throw us pitches to hit," said Rockets' coach Kyle Nelson.

Central led just 5-1 after 5 innings. Indeed, the Rockets were content to peck away at Larson, taking advantage of some windblown hits and some shaky Hampshire defense.

Romando's second blast keyed a 3-run sixth before the Rockets broke it wide open in the seventh.

Ryan DeChant doubled and scored to give Hampshire a 2-0 lead in the second. Then the wheels came off for the Whip-Purs (9-8, 4-1).

"We had a few times when we didn't make plays in the field, and that cost us big," said Hampshire coach Steve Ream.

Guerin Prep 6, St. Edward 1: The Green Wave (11-13, 5-7) suffered a loss to Suburban Christian Conference opponent Guerin. Jon Godfrey led the offensive attack with a double and an RBI for St. Edward. Jack Sutherland (3-5) pitched 6 innings, struck out six and walked none.

Jaci Corn contributed to this report