Baseball: Eiermann, Naperville Central rout Neuqua Valley
A dominant mound performance is nothing new for Naperville Central junior Ryan Eiermann.
Driving in 5 runs at the plate? That's something different for the Texas Christian-bound ace.
That's the part of Monday's game Eiermann enjoyed best in the Redhawks' 10-0 five-inning DuPage Valley Conference home victory over Neuqua Valley.
"I probably (had more fun) at the plate because I don't do it that many times," Eiermann said. "Hopefully I can stick to it. I think today it just felt good for not just myself but everybody."
It took 70 minutes and 52 pitches for Eiermann (3-0) to cruise through 5 innings while striking out seven, walking none and allowing a second-inning single to Will Drake. Eiermann - who had only 5 at-bats as a sophomore - staked the Redhawks (8-2, 2-0) to an early lead with a 2-run first-inning single, then laced a 3-run double in the fourth.
Throw in a 3-run homer from Jack Hughes, who also coaxed a bases-loaded walk, and it was a fun day for pretty much everyone in the home dugout.
"We were all up and we were all into it," Hughes said. "That's why I think we shut them out 10-0. We were all having fun and that makes it a lot easier."
With a busy week ahead Naperville Central's quick work brought an added bonus. Not only was bullpen help unnecessary, but Eiermann will be fresh for Saturday's DVC game against Metea Valley.
"We all want to compete and Ryan leads the way," said Redhawks coach Mike Stock. "Whether it's on the mound or at the plate, he's one of our real good competitors."
Neuqua Valley (4-2, 2-1) also has a bunch of games this week, which makes it easier to put Monday in the past.
"Just throw this one away, forget about it and come back tomorrow," said Wildcats coach Robin Renner. "We're better than what we showed, but it didn't happen today for us. Not a whole lot to say other than just go back again tomorrow and get them."
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