ECC wins first two playoff games

The Elgin Community College baseball team got off to a good start Friday in its quest for a sixth straight trip to the NJCAA World Series.

Opening play in the sectional portion of the Region IV tournament, the third-seeded Spartans downed Sauk Valley 12-0 and Morton 11-8. The wins put ECC (35-16) in the championship game today at noon against Morton, which eliminated Sauk Valley 11-9. If Morton beats ECC, a second game will take place at 3 p.m. today on the ECC campus.

"We just came out ready to go from the first game on today," said ECC coach Bill Angelo. "I'm happy that we're 2-0 now but we still have to get one win (today)."

Against Sauk Valley, Curtis Hudson ran his season record to 7-0 with a 5-hitter. The Spartans pounded out 14 hits in the five-inning slaughter rule game. Brad Allen homered for ECC while Zach Blanchette had a triple and Greg Stolzenburg and Ben Vincent each doubled.

In the win over Morton, the Spartans jumped ahead 9-5 after three innings then held off a late Morton rally.

Bob Diebold (3-4) picked up the win, going 4 innings and allowing 5 hits. Auston Licon, Brad Porto and John Creely each hit home runs for the Spartans while Blanchette had a double and a triple and Stolzenburg, Allen and Creely each added doubles.