Analysis: Romeoville Bats Are the Team's Catalyst

The Romeoville Spartans put on quite a hitting display in their doubleheader matchup against Argo Saturday. The Spartans had three homers and 24 hits between the two games. They were able to take advantage of several defensive lapses by the Argonauts, particularly in game one, and pad their lead. 

The Spartans’ high-powered offense is nothing new to coach Christina Douglas. “We’ve only had two games this year where we scored below nine runs,” she said. 

One of them was their only loss to Oswego East, and the other was game two of their doubleheader. In the latter case, it could have been otherwise, but the Spartans stranded 10 baserunners including two bases loaded situations in the fifth and sixth innings. 

“I keep telling the girls that we need to finish strong and fight for seven innings,” Douglas said. “Otherwise, you let them back in.” 

First baseman Jami Shawmeker led the attack on offense, going 3-for-7 with two home runs and seven RBI. She has six total for the season. Game one pitcher Melissa Guzior hit her third home run in the bottom of the second of game one to get the offensive onslaught started. Game two pitcher Elaina Caron had six combined hits and an RBI and left fielder Jessica Kehoe went 5-for-8 with two RBI. 

“Whoever is up for us on offense, we’re excited because we know any one of them can get the job done for us,” Douglas said. 

The Spartans proved in the doubleheader that they are far more than a one-dimensional team. Guzior and Caron were very solid on the mound, working their way out of early jams. The defense more than held up their end, committing only one error and showing solid fundamentals on all sides of the diamond. 

All the elements will be put to the test on Monday when they play Joliet Catholic, a team with plenty of firepower on all sides.