Rooks and Spartans Retaliate in Game Two Victory over Oswego

The Hot Read: Romeoville pitcher Rooks (1-0) dominated Oswego with his elusive curveball, which guided the Spartans to their 5-2 victory Wednesday. The junior pitched a complete game. The Spartans notched three runs in the first inning, ultimately enough to fend off the Panthers. Romeoville junior Matt Venn pitched in two hits and three RBIs.

Patch’s MVP: Romeoville starting pitcher James Rooks (CG, seven strikeouts, one earned run, seven hits and a walk).

Key stats: Oswego committed two costly errors that resulted in two runs. Despite Romeoville not connecting on a hit for the final three innings, the five hits in the first three innings were enough for the Spartans to notch the victory. Oswego left seven runners stranded.

Romeoville leaders: Senior designated hitter Casey Mull (2-for-3 two runs and a double), and junior Venn (2-for-3 three RBIs and a double).

Oswego leaders: Senior catcher John Hugunin (2-for-4), freshman leftfielder Bryce Holm (1-for-3 homerun, RBI).

Quotable: “It’s been a trend that we hit early, and are content for the rest of the game,” said Romeoville head coach Tony Smith. “We need to be consistent at the plate more, and not settle with the early hitting. It is good we came back and won today after (Tuesday’s loss to Oswego). It shows character in coming back in a series, and wanting the win.”

Quotable II: “We really haven’t hit the ball well,” said Oswego head coach Chris Neitzel. “We have to get guys more disciplined at the plate. It didn’t help that (Rooks) had two six pitch innings. You can’t do that against a good team like Romeoville. This series can go either way, so hopefully in (Thursday’s) game we could get the hits going again.”

Team’s records: Romeoville (5-3, 3-2); Oswego (5-5, 1-4).

Best play: On the first play of the game, Oswego lead off hitter John Hugunin hit a line drive in the gap between left and center field. Romeoville senior centerfielder sprinted to the ball, and laid out to snatch the ball for a spectacular diving catch.

What’s Next: The two face off for the season finale Thursday at Oswego.