Coen, Prospect batter Buffalo Grove

The cold weather and biting wind couldn't stop the Prospect bats Wednesday afternoon in Buffalo Grove.

The Knights continued their hot hitting by banging out 11 hits and 3 home runs in a 10-1 Mid-Suburban East baseball win over the Bison.

BG came into the contest fresh off scoring 17 runs in Monday's victory over Hersey, but Knights pitcher John Coen threw a 6-hitter and retired 10 straight hitters in the middle innings.

"We knew this was a big game," said Coen, as the Knights and Bison entered play tied for the MSL East lead along with Hersey. "This time

of year it's do or die, and I think our guys realize that and come out to play their best."

Prospect (16-9, 9-4) remained tied with Hersey (21-8, 9-4) with three games left and BG (15-11, 8-5) fell a game back.

Senior Thomas

Kelly stroked two of the Prospect homers and just missed a third on his last at-bat as his towering drive was caught at the left-center field fence just in front of the 335-foot sign.

"We brought all aspects of our game today," said Kelly, "hitting, fielding and pitching. Johnny (Coen) shut them down and Eddie (Gerdes) set the tone in the first inning."

Gerdes' 2-run blast in the first that staked Prospect to an early lead and then the turning point of the game came in the top of the fourth.

BG lefty Jeremy Salzman looked like he would get out of a jam after inducing a two-out ground ball, but an errant throw allowed 2 runs.

Prospect added 3 more runs, including one on Miles Osei RBI double, for a 9-1 lead.

"The difference today was that they fielded the ball and we struggled (in that area)," said BG coach Jeff Grybash. "Those 5 unearned runs they got in the fourth took the wind out of our sails, but you've got to tip your hat to Prospect - they're a good team."

Coen struck in six in the third straight complete-game victory by a Prospect pitcher.

"I was locating my fastball today, in and out, and mixing in my curve," said Coen.

Prospect is at Rolling Meadows, Hersey is at Wheeling and BG is at Elk Grove on Friday. Hersey hosts Prospect on Monday.