Marmion 8, Montini 0
Even as the game turned from a pitchers' duel to a breeze, Marmion's Brian Burns maintained the same approach on the mound.
The reward was a 6-hit shutout for the junior right-hander.
Burns and the Cadets played complete baseball in Wednesday's 8-0 Suburban Catholic Conference win over Montini in Lombard to stay within two games of league-leader Driscoll.
Leading 1-0 after three innings, Marmion (8-8, 6-3) exploded for 6 runs in the top of the fourth. While Montini (11-5, 6-3) threatened to score late in the game, the Broncos never threatened the lead.
It didn't matter to Burns (2-2), who stayed focused regardless. He struck out eight and walked two in the complete-game effort.
"I just wanted to get ahead of hitters and throw strikes, and it worked out well for me," Burns said. "I knew I had some offense behind me, so that helped me get in a better groove."
Ryan Hoffman's second-inning RBI double gave the Cadets their first hit and run off of Montini starter Matt Beuke (1-1).
Three fourth-inning doubles -- Marmion smacked five two-baggers on the day -- helped the Cadets through their 6-run fourth inning. C.J. Foster drove in a run and Matt Milroy had 2 RBI on his double.
Small ball took care of the rest as a balk and a passed ball scored a pair of runs. A suicide squeeze bunt by Zack Young brought home another run as Marmion broke out to a 7-0 lead.
David DeSimone tallied the final run in the sixth inning when he walked and later scored on a wild pitch.
"They hit the ball pretty well, and we didn't," said Montini coach Bill Leeberg. "They certainly outplayed us today. Their pitcher did a nice job."
Montini had its chances, but two double plays turned by the Cadets highlighted a fine defensive effort. The Broncos stranded seven runners, including six in scoring position. They left the bases loaded in the fifth.
Foster and Hoffman each had 2 hits for the Cadets. Montini reliever Trace Headrick settled down after allowing Milroy's 2-run double, closing the game with 3½ solid innings.
"We had a tough game (Tuesday) against Marian, they beat us 11-3," said Marmion coach Dave Rakow. "I told the kids that getting beat will happen, but how you respond is what matters. They came out and responded well."