Wrap: Sycamore ends Geneva's title hopes
Geneva's baseball team lost its chance at repeating its Western Sun Conference title when Sycamore rallied for 4 runs in the sixth inning for an 8-5 win Tuesday in Geneva.
"It's two-fold," Geneva coach Matt Hahn said. "If you would have told me this winter that we'd still have a chance to win conference on May 14, I'd take that. But I think we had our opportunities (that we didn't capitalize on)."
Hahn pointed to 12 runners left on base in Wednesday's loss. The Vikings (18-8, 11-8) led 4-3 going into the sixth inning when the Spartans (14-5 in the Western Sun) rallied for 4 runs. Chris Jordan (5-5) took the loss.
Kevin Massoth and Rodney Nelson both hit their second home runs of the year for Geneva in the loss.
"I give a lot of credit to Sycamore," Hahn said. "They put themselves in a great position to only have 5 losses. They don't make many mental mistakes. They deserve a ton of credit."
The Vikings play Sycamore again today on the road and will finish their suspended game against the Spartans on Friday. Geneva leads the suspended game 1-0 in the bottom of the third.
Because of that, Geneva won't get to play St. Charles North at Elfstrom. The North Stars will play Downers Grove South instead.
Kaneland 4, DeKalb 2:ŒFinding a way to put in 11 seniors for Senior Day wasn't easy, but Kaneland coach Brian Aversa did just that in the Knights' Western Sun Conference win in Maple Park.
"It was very tricky to get everyone in," Aversa said.
Senior Nick Wagner led the way with 2 hits, 2 runs and an RBI and senior Cody Crook earned the win on the mound and improved to 3-1 for the Knights (11-8, 15-9).
"Cody pitched a real nice game, which was nice to see," Aversa said.
St. Charles East 5, Streamwood 3: Chris Burgess did well on the mound and at the plate for the Saints, who won their Upstate Eight Conference outing in St. Charles.
Burgess went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and improved to 3-3 on the mound. Mike Hoscheit and Zach Scott each had a hit and an RBI, Steve Schenck went 3-for-3 with an RBI and Andy Gruenwald earned the save for the Saints (15-13, 14-8).
"It was a well-played game on both sides," St. Charles East coach Mark Foulkes said.
Marmion 12, IMSA 2 (5 inn.): ŒAfter being out the last two weeks with a sprained wriest, David DeSimone came back and did damage against the Titans.
DeSimone hit a home run, finished 2-for-3 and earned his third win of the year on the mound in the nonconference contest that helped the Cadets improve to 13-8 overall.
"It's good to have him back," Marmion coach Dave Rakow said.
West Aurora 10, West Chicago 0:ŒThe Blackhawks (15-14, 7-12) blanked the Wildcats in West Chicago in DVC game that was resumed after being suspended on Tuesday. Kyle McCradic drilled two homers and Chris Richter Brandon Lawrence hit one long ball apiece.
Dixon 2, Aurora Central Catholic 1:ŒMark Adams scored the lone run for the Chargers, who fell in nonconference action.
Adams also led the way with his 3 hits. Both teams posted 8 hits and 2 errors.
"We gave up 2 unearned runs and lost," ACC coach Mike Armato said. "It's the story of our season."
This was one of 6 games this year Armato said could have gone ACC's way. The Chargers are 11-13.
"We are making progress," he said.
Softball
Geneva wins twice:ŒThe Vikings beat Western Sun Conference opponent DeKalb 5-1 in a game that resumed from Tuesday, then turned around and topped nonconference Fenton 10-0 in 5 innings in Geneva Wednesday.
Against the Barbs, Geneva (6-6 in conference) Melissa Barber went 2-for-3 and pitcher Kelly McCaffrey earned the win after she struck out 7 and allowed no walks.
Against Fenton, Kristyn Ruitenberg earned her first win of the season after throwing a 1-hitter with no walks and 3 strikeouts. Barber was at it again, as she finished with 3 hits, including a pair of doubles.
"It was a balanced attack," Geneva coach Greg Dierks said, whose Vikings are now 13-11 overall.