Baseball: Downers Grove South makes it another Gold rush against Willowbrook
Downers Grove South's series opener against Willowbrook went like most of its other West Suburban Gold baseball games this season.
The Mustangs dominated.
They increased their lead atop the standings with Monday's 18-7 six-inning victory in Villa Park.
Aside from a 1-run loss to Leyden - avenged with two victories over the Eagles by a combined margin of 28-3 - Downers South (13-5, 9-1) has beaten its Gold opponents by an average of nearly 11 runs.
"It was a great day to hit, for both teams really," said Mustangs senior Nick Stacey, who went 3-for-4 with a double and 4 RBI. "Obviously winning in six is a big confidence-booster. We fully expect to win every game, and this is just one step for us."
The Mustangs scored in all six innings, starting with a 5-run top of the first. A 6-run fifth inning broke open an 8-6 game as Downers South took advantage of 3 of Willowbrook's 8 errors.
Willowbrook (14-8, 8-5) has played stingy defense for most of the season. On Monday, though, nothing seemed to go right for the Warriors in the field. Two hit batters and four walks from the pitching staff also hurt.
"It's tough when you're giving those guys so many extra outs," said Warriors coach Vic Wisner. "Our defense has been our strong point this season. We're as shocked as anyone else with this, but what can you do? We'll come back and try to get them these next two games."
Not everyone in Downers South's starting lineup had a hit, but they all drove in at least 1 run. Anthony Stellato, Brett Riegler, Cameron Crowley, Jake Pileggi and Jack Blazevich each had 2 hits.
The middle of Willowbrook's lineup did damage. Mason Kamp launched a homer over the center-field fence and drove in 3 runs. Dan Gusel went 3-for-3 while Ryan Mintz and Jeremy Conforti had 2 hits.
The three-game series continues Tuesday in Downers Grove. The Mustangs will try to extend a Gold lead that already stands at 2.5 games over Willowbrook.
The Mustangs could stumble against the Warriors or in remaining series against Hinsdale South and Morton. But if other teams plan on catching Downers South, they'd better start closing the gap soon.
"We've still got a bunch of big games coming up," said Downers South coach Darren Orel. "But we control it. And that's all you can ask for, is to control your own destiny. We don't need anyone's help if we take care of business."
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