Hersey finds right formula

Hersey had the right formula for a successful baseball opener.

Dan Kelley and Brian Spencer combined to allow only 2 hits and 1 walk hitter and they were backed by errorless defense. And Hersey got some timely hitting and took advantage of 4 errors in a 5-1 win over visiting Addison Trail on Thursday.

Kelley allowed both hits and a first-inning run with 5 strikeouts and 1 walk. Spencer threw 3 hitless innings with a strikeout for the save.

"Our pitchers did a great job," said Hersey assistant coach Tim Lazzarotto. "They were around the plate. When you walk one, strike out six, play good defense and don't make an error you're going to win a lot of games."

Hersey got 2 hits apiece from Mike Toljanic (3 runs), Pierson Curtis (RBI double) and Matt Milligan. Chris James had a 2-run single in the sixth.

Sophomore shortstop Jake Knauss turned a double play started by Kelley and junior second baseman Ryan Reichel also had a solid game.

Barrington 11, Huntley 10: Barrington (2-0) jumped to an 11-0 lead after 4½ innings and then had to hold on for the nonconference road win in 5 innings.

Barrington was leading 13-12 with one out in the bottom of the sixth when the umpires called the game because of darkness. The game reverted back to the score after 5 innings.

Sophomore Sean Buchholz had an impressive start. The righty allowed 1 earned run on 4 hits with 9 strikeouts and 1 walk in 4-plus innings.

Chris Holke hit a grand slam in a 7-run first. John Day was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and Steve Janezic and Tim Conroy drove in runs.

"Our starters played well," said Barrington coach Jim Hawrysko said as Huntley scored 10 runs in the bottom of the fifth.

Russ Zeisloft left 2 runners on base in the fifth to get the save.

Palatine 9, Warren 7: Warren hit 2 homers but host Palatine (1-1) made the most of its 8 hits and went ahead to stay with a 6-run fourth.

"We played little ball," said Palatine coach Paul Belo. "Everybody contributed."

Eastern Kentucky-bound Jeff Emerich was 3-for-3 in stolen bases and had an RBI single in the fourth. Sophomore Mike Luschen had 2 singles and an RBI and Andy Prombo started the fourth with a double.

Dan Huenecke was the winner with 6 strikeouts, 3 walks and 2 earned runs in 4½ innings of relief. Byron Skinner survived 3 walks in the seventh and had 2 strikeouts for the save.

Chad Johnson hit a 2-run homer in the first and Vince Viverito hit a solo homer in the fifth for Warren.