By STEVE SINISKI
"They have three good [starting] pitchers like we do," Rams coach Tom Abruscato said. "It's a good matchup, an even matchup."
A continuation of the recent surge by the offense-it scored 38 runs in the first five playoff games-would be a huge boost against the Island Trees pitching staff. "We need to get on base," Abruscato said, noting the high strikeout total the Bulldogs racked up in the regular season series. "The key is to put the ball in play, because you can't steal first base. We need to have good at bats with two strikes."
The Rams are no strangers to championship titles on the diamond, winning three under Abruscato, and they advanced to the round for the sixth time in eight seasons. Senior Brian Sundberg pitched a complete game in the semifinal clinching victory, a 7-1 decision over the Vikings last Sunday, allowing six hits and a season-high three walks, and striking out six. In the Rams first five playoff games, opponents scored a total of just five runs. Senior Kris Guy drove in a pair of runs and hammered out three hits, while Sundberg helped out his own cause with a two-run single. "We were taking the ball the other way and staying behind the baseball," Abruscato said. "The pitching and defense have always been there, but the hitting's been spotty."
The defense, notably the double-play combination of junior shortstop Connor McCarthy and senior second baseman Ryan Schreiber continued to make the plays behind senior John Schilt, as Clarke took the opener against North Shore at home, 11-4. "I think they've no doubt turned the most double plays [in school history]," Abruscato said. "In my 11 years they're probably the best combo. Schilt had a couple of bases loaded [situations] and no one out, but got out of it with a couple of double plays."
Schilt pitched five innings before giving way to the bullpen as seniors Rocco Zaino and Bashir Masani finished up the final two frames. "We've used four guys already," Abruscato said of his long line of relievers. "We're very confident in the bullpen and can go with matchups."
After falling behind 4-2, Clarke exploded for six runs in the third inning as Sundberg again came up big with the bat, this time smacking a two-run double. Junior John Radice, one of the team's most consistent hitters all season, added three hits.
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