West Aurora outslugs Larkin

Larkin and West Aurora combined for 29 runs, 25 hits and 12 errors.

When the sloppily played Upstate Eight Conference crossover game, which lasted 2 hours and 27 minutes, ended Saturday West Aurora had endured to post a 18-11 win over the host Royals.

"We had a tough series against Glenbard East which we didn't play well," said West Aurora coach John Reeves. "This was a good win to get. Our hitters really dug in today and we swung the bats well. We hit 1 through 9."

The Blackhawks (6-16, 4-10), who collected 15 hits including a triple and 6 doubles, were led at the plate by leadoff hitter Jared Liebelt.

Liebelt, who reached base 5 times in 6 plate appearances, delivered 4 hits with 2 doubles, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored.

"I was really seeing the ball well and I was picking up the curve well," said Liebelt. "I was able to sit on the fastball and swung the bat well. I had a good positive mindset at the plate."

Liebelt received plenty of offensive support from his teammates. Ryan Becker had 3 hits with 3 RBI, a double and 3 runs scored while Connor Palmby came up with a 2-hit effort and 3 RBI and Jake Lipscomb had 2 doubles, 2 runs scored and an RBI. Logan Love added a triple, 2 runs scored and an RBI.

The Blackhawks, who benefited from 8 Larkin errors, chased Royals starter Zach Edger after 3 innings. Edger gave up 9 runs on 6 hits.

"Our defense which has been stellar this season, was terrible today," said Larkin coach Matt Esterino. "We really kicked the ball around. Our pitchers didn't deserve to give up 18 runs. We swung the bats well but our baserunning wasn't very good. We will go back to work

and correct the mistakes."

The Blackhawks scored 5 runs in the second inning and 4 in the fourth to lead 12-5.

Larkin (7-15, 5-9) didn't quit and scored 4 in the bottom of the fourth keyed by a 3-run double from Andrew Chmiola to cut the deficit to 12-9 after 4 innings.

With 10 hits, the Royals got 2 hits each from Dan Lenz (2 runs scored, 2 RBI and 2 doubles), Tanner Gardon (double, RBI) and Edger (triple, RBI, 4 runs scored).

Cole Rundle pitched the first 5⅔ innings to earn the win for West Aurora. Jim Tunney finished the game.