Sequoits swing to a 2-2 start on the diamond

 

By Todd Rohde~SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

After waiting several weeks until the weather and the field conditions would cooperate, the Antioch baseball team finally got the new season underway this past week.

The Sequoits did so by going 2-2 during the busy week of action that featured playing four games in five days, but just as easily could have been undefeated as both of their losses came in tight one-run deficits.

The Sequoits latest performance was a tough 3-2 non-conference defeat in a seven-inning affair at the hands of Palatine April 6th in Antioch. Antioch had some chances in the contest to tie things up or take the lead, but just couldn’t come through with the timely hit with runners on base and in scoring position.

“As a general statement, our pitching has been very solid so far by keeping us in games and giving us a chance to come out on top,” Antioch head coach Paul Petty said.

“Leaving runners on base in crucial situations is something that we will have to address and work on though in the days to come.”

Senior David Meade took the loss for the Sequoits on the mound, as he moved to 1-1 on the season after his 120-pitch performance. Meade was responsible for allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits with nine strikeouts and no walks over seven innings.

Antioch was able to reach for seven hits at the plate, six of which were singles, but were unfortunately only able to bring across a pair of runs on the day. Leading the way for the Sequoits was Sam Smithson going 2-2 with a pair of RBIs, Josh Saldivar adding a pair of hits and a run along with Matt Dejong adding a double.

Just a day earlier on April 5th, the Sequoits were on the winning end of taking a 6-5 nonconference seven-inning showdown over Warren of Gurnee in Antioch. The Sequoits were able to account for six runs on six hits and benefited from eight walks, while surrendering five runs on six hits to the Blue Devils.

Hurler David Rzewnicki started the game for the Sequoits and was touched for five runs (four earned) on six hits with eight strikeouts and six walks in just over five innings of work. Saldivar (1-0) came on in relief and was rewarded the win, thanks to a late rally by the Sequoits, as he was almost untouchable in his nearly two innings pitched.

Saldivar also helped his own cause at the plate by crushing a two-run homer, as catcher Adam Harvey had two hits on the day including a double to go along with a pair of runs scored and an RBI.

The Sequoits suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 non-conference loss April 3rd in a pitcher’s dual against the Knights at Grayslake North.

Offensively Antioch was more productive at the plate than the Knights were, but unfortunately their hits were scattered throughout as they stranded many runners on base and couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities.

Antioch produced eight hits on the day, seven of which were singles though, off of two Grayslake pitchers as six different Sequoits hitters reached base. Antioch pitcher Jerry LaSaint did a good of keeping the Knight offense in check, as he allowed just two runs (one earned) on only three hits in fanning seven batters and walking three over six innings on the mound.

Sparking the offense for the Sequoits was LaSaint and Collin Prather with two hits apiece. Cameron Slate doubled in Antioch’s only run of the game, while Mitch Everett singled, walked and scored the lone run in the game.

Finally the Sequoits opened the season by doubling up the Rams by a 4-2 margin in nonconference play April 2nd at Grayslake Central. Antioch scored all four of their runs in the second inning and then made it last, as the Rams were only able to scratch single runs across in second and third.

Meade had a quality performance on the rubber for the Sequoits, as he kept his team in it and received the win for his efforts. He was touched for a pair of earned runs on five hits with five strikeouts and two walks over seven innings.

 


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