Extras: Romeoville Seniors Set the Tone

After dropping the first-of-three in the series against Oswego in the 5-4 heartbreaker in the seventh inning Tuesday, Romeoville showed a faded memory of loss when they defeated the Panthers 5-2 Wednesday.

Stellar pitching from Patch’s MVP, Romeoville starting pitcher James Rooks, led the way for his first win of the season. In a complete game, Rooks’ pitch count at 109, he fanned seven, relinquished seven hits, one earned one and one walk.

Spartan senior Casey Moll and junior Matt Venn added two hits. Venn also knocked in three RBIs on the day.

“I was just looking to throw strikes,” Rooks said. “I came out with the fastball early and realized that my curve was working really well. I got into a rhythm and I guess Oswego couldn’t keep up with me.”

Romeoville betters their record to five wins with the victory over Oswego. As Romeoville heads into the finale of the series against Oswego split at 1-1, Spartan head coach Tony Smith enjoys how the team is coming together.

He credits their early season success to the team that displays 10 seniors.

“We’re finally a senior dominant team,” Smith said. “We’ve had some seniors up (on the varsity level) for three-four years now. There is a lot of experience now at this level, and the juniors are learning from it.”

Romeoville seniors Matt Gillis, Jeremy Pociask, James Mikyska, Jordan Pemble, Brian Weber and Kyle Lenihan have been on the team since the 2008-09 season.

After juniors Venn and Rooks notched the victory Wednesday, they raved about the upper classmen of their strong chemistry and leadership.

“This season has been awesome,” Venn said. “These guys are my brothers. Anytime I have trouble with anything, I can always go to them. The seniors are great leaders.”

“These guys are great,” Rooks added. “We’ve really been meshing well. I haven’t played with a better group of teammates in my life.”

Venn feels that the Spartans can win conference this season.

However, before Romeoville can do anything, Smith is stressing to his players the importance of consistency. In the win against Oswego, the Spartans were hitless in the last five innings.

The Spartans know consistency is fixable, and Smith enjoys where they team stand in the early-going of the long season.

“With the group of seniors, we’re closely knit chemistry wise,” Smith said. “Our biggest downfall is our consistency. I’ve seen us play tremendous one day, and then 48-hours later I’ve seen the worst. Hopefully we can get this series, and get into a little bit of a winning groove.”