Baseball: Offense Carries Spartans To Win In Home Opener

To reach the ambitious goals set by senior Kyle Lenihan, the Romeoville Spartans had to start sooner or later.

And it was Lenihan who put the season in motion for Romeoville as he paced the Spartans offense with a 4-for-4 day at the plate and six runs batted in an 8-3 win against the Bradley Boilermakers.

"I just felt really relaxed. I think I've matured a lot at the plate mentally. I'm focusing more at the task at hand, trying to get the job done and helping this team win games."

The renewed focus paid off early for Lenihan, who roped a two-run double to open the scoring. Romeoville's shortstop would come around to score later in the inning as the home team hung a three-spot on the visitng Boilermakers.

Lenihan struck again in his second plate appearance, driving home second baseman Casey Moll with a triple. The four-year varsity starter would finish his day with a two-run single in the bottom of the sixth to cap the scoring.

The eight-run outburst was more than enough for starting pitcher Jordan Pemble. 

Romeoville's right-handed hurler struck out six batters and allowed only three runs (one earned) in four innings of work to earn the win.

"It's spring training for us," said coach Tony Smith, who watched what would have been opening week get washed out. "Trying different combinations of things and getting pitchers a lot of work. There are definitely things we need to tighten up. But everything is fixable."

Romeoville returns to the diamond on Thursday as it hosts Lincoln-Way East at 4:30 p.m.