Baseball: Evak, Plainfield North Ruin Romeoville Senior Day

Hot Read: After the senior festivities commenced, Plainfield North wasted no time in scoring Wednesday. Junior Evan Wahley walked and senior Caleb Kissell singled to set the stage for junior Sean Renzi's three-run shot over the left field fence for a 3-0 lead.

The Tigers added three more runs off errors in the second inning stretching its lead to 6-0.

The Spartans struggled with their bats as Brian Evak retired Romeoville's first eight hitters. Senior James Mikyska notched the first Spartan hit, legging out a sharp grounder after Kissel nearly made a spectacular diving catch.

More errors haunted Romeoville as Plainfield North added three more runs in the top of the fourth. In the fifth Tigers sophomore Kurt Palandech connected on a triple to drive in two more runs. After scoring a third run in the fifth, it was 12-0.

In Romeoville's fifth, senior Casey Moll led off with a double, and Jeremy Pociask followed with a single. Senior Brian Weber's pinch-hit single brought in the lone Spartans run.

Patch's MVP: Plainfield North senior pitcher Brian Evak, who improved his record to 8-0 with a complete game four-hitter. He struck out six and had no walks.

Key stats: Plainfield North capitalized on seven Romeoville errors. Romeoville allowed only four earned runs. The Tigers scored in four of five innings.

Plainfield North leaders: Sophomore Kurt Palandech (2-for-3 two RBIs three runs, stolen base, a triple), junior Sean Renzi (1-for-3, homer and two RBIs)  and senior Joe Cresta (1-for-3, two runs and a double).

Romeoville leaders: Seniors Brian Weber (1-for-1, RBI), James Mikyska (1-for-2, single) and Casey Moll (1-for-2, double).

Quotable I: "Having one through nine [in the batting order] hitting always helps you when your on the mound," Evak said. "We have a lot of momentum going into the playoffs. I think we have a good chance of winning state."

Quotable II: "Brian [Evak] pitched well, so he sort of sets the tone for the team," said Plainfield North coach John Darlington. "We got a ways to go before we're a really good team. I think we played well, not great. Hopefully, next week [when the playoffs begin] we don't stub our toe."

Records: Plainfield North (28-1, 20-0), Romeoville (11-17, 8-12).

What's next: The two face off again for the series finale Thursday.