By Nick DeLorenzo
When a team’s first three hitters combine for four extra-base hits, six RBIs, and seven runs scored, you usually don’t expect that team to lose.
But in a battle between two of the most high-powered offenses in the league, Council Rock North was able to combat Truman’s top-of-the-order attack with a more balanced scoring outburst to pull off a 12-7 win on the road.
Rock North got things started in the top of the first when centerfielder Mike Tentilucci led off with a double, advanced to third on a groundout, and scored on a wild pitch to give the Indians an early 1-0 lead.
Truman answered with some small ball of its own when Brian Beyer knocked in Johnny Schiotis with an RBI groundout to tie the game at 1-1.
After Council Rock took the lead on an RBI double by Ryan Hartley in the top of the third, Truman answered immediately in the bottom of the inning with a two-run single by Beyer, taking a 3-2 lead.
That would be the last lead of the game for the Tigers, however, as the Indians exploded for three runs in the fourth inning and five runs in the fifth – highlighted by an RBI triple by Danny Denton and a pair of RBI hits by Tentilucci – to go up 10-3.
While the game seemed out of reach, Truman refused pack it in.
With two on and one out in the bottom of the fifth, Beyer crushed a towering home run over the 380-foot sign in center field to bring the Tigers back within striking distance, 10-6.
Tyler Erhard was able to follow Beyer with a double, but Council Rock managed to thwart the threat with an unconventional left field to second base double play after an impressive running catch by Denton.
The Indians managed to tack on two more runs in the seventh, and relief pitchers Darren Lauer and Jake Drossner were able to shut the door for the 12-7 win.
Council Rock head coach Dan Kusters was very impressed with the way his offense was able to contribute from the leadoff man all the way down to the nine-hole hitter.
“We have a lot of guys with a lot of different skills and they are able to execute,” Kusters said. “That’s what we talk about in practice, to take care of the things that are our responsibility – to put the bat on the ball, get tough, scrappy outs – and that’s what you saw today.
“We put ourselves in a good position to win ball games,” he continued. “That’s all we as a coaching staff can ask of our guys.”
Senior Nick Donofry earned the win on the mound, going 4 1/3 strong innings in his first varsity start in over two years due to shoulder pain experienced throughout his junior season.
All nine starters for the Indians contributed with some combination of a hit, a run scored, or an RBI. Tentilucci did more than his share as the leadoff hitter, going 4-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI, and four runs scored.
Kusters usually has Jesse Golberg as his leadoff man and Tentilucci batting either five or six, but with Goldberg out of the lineup, Kusters knew he could count on his centerfielder – who he affectionately calls ‘Looch’ – to get the job done.
“I’ve asked Looch to do a lot of different things,” Kusters said. “He’s done everything we’ve asked him – put a bunt down, steal a base, drive a ball in the gap, make a play in the outfield – he’s done a lot of good things.”
For Truman, Beyer finished 2-for-4 with a homer and a whooping six RBIs. Leadoff man Ryan Hires went 1-for-2 with two runs and shortstop Schiotis contributed with two doubles and four runs scored.
Kusters is thoroughly impressed with the amount of offensive talent in the SOL National, and knows that his lineup is going to have to consistently put up high run totals in order to remain at the head of the pack in the conference.
“What’s nice about the Suburban One National is that every team swings the bat well,”
Kusters said. “Every team can execute and manufacture runs. I think you saw some good things today out of Truman. A lot of teams in Suburban One can hit the ball and also do the small-ball stuff.”
Kusters said. “Every team can execute and manufacture runs. I think you saw some good things today out of Truman. A lot of teams in Suburban One can hit the ball and also do the small-ball stuff.”
One thing is for sure. If batters keep raking extra base hits in the gap and runs continue to cross the plate at this rate, the race for the SOL National crown is going to be a wild and entertaining ride.
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 12, HARRY S. TRUMAN 7
Council Rock North 101 350 2-12
Truman 102 030 1-7
W – Nick Donofry 4.1 IP 5 h 5 er 0 bb 1 K
L – Zach Philippi 4 IP 7 h 6 er 3 bb 1 K
Doubles – CR-N: Tentilucci (2), Hartley, Henritzy. Truman: Hires, Schiotis (2)
Triples – CR-N: Denton
HR – Truman: Beyer
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