Baseball: Naperville Central makes the most of its hits vs. Metea Valley
They were few and far between, but those 3 hits came in pretty handy for Naperville Central's baseball team.
Each led to a run and proved critical in Friday's 4-1 DuPage Valley Conference victory over visiting Metea Valley - a well-played game in pretty miserable conditions.
Two of the hits came on back-to-back third-inning doubles by Tommy Carlsen and Sam Hojnar. Three runs scored that inning, including one on a wild pitch and another on a balk.
Beyond an additional sixth-inning RBI single by Danny Hughes, it was a rough day at the plate for the Redhawks (7-3, 4-1). Still, they found a way to win with Vinny Abruzzo making his first start on the mound and Joe Murray closing with 2⅔ scoreless innings of relief.
"We got some guys on with an error and a walk, and we capitalized," Hojnar said. "Making them pay for their mistakes was huge for us today. When the bats aren't going too well we've got to take advantage of every opportunity we get."
Metea Valley starting pitcher Jack Cagigal was strong in 6 innings while striking out six. Despite putting nine runners in scoring position, though, the Mustangs' offense managed to push only 1 run across when Carter Wardell was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the top of the fourth.
"Jack pitched well enough to win," said Mustangs coach Craig Tomczak. "Other teams are taking advantage of our mistakes, and we need to be better at executing. We need to be better at the plate in those key situations."
Metea Valley (4-5, 1-3) outhit the Redhawks 5-3 as Cade Sullivan and Clay Billadeau had 2 hits apiece.
Weather permitting - again - the three-game series continues Saturday in Naperville.
"It was a tough day to hit, and all three kids pitched well," said Redhawks coach Mike Stock. "I thought it was solid play by both teams."
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