Rago pitches, hits Elgin past Larkin

Elgin’s Jessca Rago went 3-for-3 with 2 home runs, including a grand slam, and 5 RBI on Saturday morning.

But that wasn’t the part of her effort she was most pleased with against crosstown rival Larkin.

The freshman allowed just 2 hits in the pitchers circle to help the Maroons top the Royals, 12-1, in five innings.

“It was a good hitting day, but I think I pitched really well,” Rago said.

Rago (4-4) didn’t allow a hit until the top of the fifth when Holly Zdroik doubled to lead off. After a wild pitch, Alex Bednarski singled to bring in Zdroik for the Royals’ only run. Rago walked 3 and struck out 4.

“Hats off to (Rago). She had a day,” Larkin coach Anne Vogt said.

Jennah Perryman hit a solo home run with two outs in the bottom of the first to give Elgin a 1-0 lead. Elgin (13-14, 7-12 Upstate Eight River) then drew 3 consecutive walks to bring up Rago. She connected on a 3-2 pitch for a grand slam to left field for a 5-0 lead.

“It was right down the middle, perfect speed,” Rago said. “I was able to wait on it and drive it.”

Perryman scored on a double steal in the second. Rago then added a solo home run in the third for a 7-0 lead.

The Royals (3-26, 2-17) then cut the deficit to 7-1 in the fifth, but the Maroons scored five times to end the game.

Rago, who singled, scored on an error as the Larkin left fielder misplayed a single by Sabrina Stockman. Lissette Sanchez had a run-scoring single to make it 9-1. Perryman followed with a 3-run home run.

In two games against Larkin, Perryman has hit 4 home runs and has 7 RBI.

“After she hit the first (Saturday), that’s the first thing I said, ‘I don’t know what’s up with her and Larkin,’ ” Elgin coach Chad Dahlman said. “I don’t know if it’s rivalry or what, but she always seems to hit well against them.”