Kaneland regains control of conference race
Kaneland didn’t head into its 3-game series with Sycamore hoping to salvage a game — but that one win could well be the difference between repeating as conference champions and not.
The Knights battled adversity, from an injury to starting pitcher and No. 5 hitter Sam Komel to a rainstorm in the sixth inning Thursday. Kaneland answered Sycamore’s 4-run sixth inning with 4 runs in its half, turning a potential 4-2 loss that would have pulled the Spartans and Knights into a tie in the conference race into a 6-4 victory and a big sigh of relief in Maple Park.
“We were focused,” winning pitcher Kyle Davidson said. “We knew we had to win right here, right now or it could slip away.”
With Thursday’s win Kaneland (13-7, 9-3 in the Northern Illinois Big 12 East) took a 2-game lead over Sycamore (18-6, 7-5) with three games to go. The Knights finish conference play with 3 games against Morris next week, a team that entered Thursday at 7-4 and has the last shot at denying the Knights a second straight title.
That championship seemed a matter of time just a week ago when the Knights stood at 8-0 and in command of the race. But a loss to Yorkville followed by 2 more defeats this week to Sycamore including by the 10-run rule Tuesday put a lot of pressure on Kaneland Thursday.
“It’s (this win) huge going into the Morris series,” second baseman Brian Dixon said. “It’s a big confidence boost because we needed a win.”
Davidson and Dixon both shared the hero role for different reasons Thursday.
Davidson, normally Kaneland’s closer, filled in for Komel, who is having problems with his muscles and tendons in his chest area. Komel played Monday and has missed the last two games.
“All of a sudden we were looking around thinking “who is next?,” Kaneland coach Brian Aversa said. “Kyle stepped up in a huge position.”
Davidson hadn’t cracked the 50-pitch mark all season but threw 99 in his 6 innings. He was extremely sharp through the first 5 innings, keeping Sycamore scoreless while tossing a couple 9-pitch innings and throwing just 17 balls in 64 pitches.
He also ripped a 2-run double in the fourth inning that scored Joe Camiliere and Drew French giving the Knights a 2-0 lead. Kaneland held that lead into the sixth when the skies opened up and a downpour began.
Whether it was the rain or Davidson tiring, the Spartans got to him for 4 runs, the big blow a 2-run triple by Trevor Mathey over a diving Camiliere in deep center.
“The third time through the lineup, I think they figured me out,” Davidson said. “It was a mix of getting tired and them figuring me out.”
Dixon’s turn at hero came in the bottom of the sixth. His 2-run double to left was the only hit in a 4-run rally aided by 3 walks and a Sycamore error on a potential double-play grounder.
“I’ve been due for a hit,” said Dixon, who had a game-winning triple earlier this year against Cary-Grove but has been struggling lately. “It felt really good off the bat. I’m really excited about it.”
“It’s a shame we battle our way back in rain and then give it up in the bottom of the sixth,” Sycamore coach Jason Cavanaugh said.
Aversa turned to his ace Bobby Thorson in the seventh and he retired the Spartans in order for his first save. Drew Peters, Thorson’s replacement at first base, grabbed a liner for the second out and Davidson, who had moved back to shortstop, made the play for the final out.
Thorson had thrown 106 pitches Monday in the series opener.
“We asked Bobby how many pitches you have in you and he said about 20,” Aversa said. “We were keeping a close watch on that and he got it done in less than 20 so we’re happy about that.”
Aversa also was quite happy to see his team get back on track.
“I’m sure these guys feel good about themselves now.” Aversa said. “Every game right now is our most important game. It was huge for us and a great way to close out the series.”