Sports
Plainfield East's Four-Run Sixth Inning Prevents Romeoville Rally
Plainfield East 8, Romeoville 7: Plainfield East starting pitcher Matt Kramer goes the distance, and helps his own cause by connecting on a three-run triple.
Hot Read: As most of the area games were cancelled due to heavy rains from Tuesday, the Romeoville Spartans hosted Plainfield East even though the Bengals were considered the home team. In a back-and-forth game, Plainfield East led 4-3 after five innings. The Spartans answered back with a four-run, two-hit inning in the top of the sixth, after the Bengals committed three errors to lead 7-4. The Bengals answered right back in the bottom half, when the Spartans walked the bases loaded. Plainfield East junior pitcher Matt Kramer stepped up to the plate and posted a three-run triple to tie the game 7-7. After a Spartan error, Kramer scored the go-ahead run and the victory.
Patch's MVP: Plainfield East junior starting pitcher Matt Kramer (Pitching: Winning pitcher [3-1] complete game, nine hits, three strikeouts, three earned runs and two walks. Hitting: 1-for-3 triple, three RBIs and a walk).
Key Stats: Romeoville and Plainfield East committed four errors apiece. The Spartans walked three batters in the top of the sixth to set up for Kramers three-run triple. At least one runner reached base in every inning for Romeoville, despite the loss.
Plainfield East Leaders: Senior catcher Ben Guilfoyle (1-for-2 double, two RBIs) junior shortstop Nick Barrow (1-for-2 double, walk and two runs) and junior Angel Rodela (2-for 4).
Romeoville Leaders: Senior centerfielder Matt Gills (2-for 4 triple, double two runs), senior Kyle Lenihan (1-for 2 double, RBI and two walks), senior James Mikyska (2-for-4 double, single and RBI) and junior starting pitcher James Rooks (No decision 5 2/3 innings pitched, four earned runs, six hits, four strike outs and three walks).
Quotable I: "We're here to play baseball, and the conditions won't always be great," said Plainfield East head coach Adam O'Reel. "That's life. The kids came ready to play. There wasn't a lack of motivation, but there was no defense today. I'm glad Matt (Kramer) could scratch and claw his way to a win."
Quotable II: "This is a tough loss," said Romeoville Assistant Coach Denny House. "I'm pleased with James (Rooks). When he got ahead he was good, but you got to play better defense. We'll continue to play hard, and give the best effort we can (Thursday)."
Team's Records: Plainfield East 7-7 (4-3), Romeoville 5-6 (3-4)
What's Next: The two play the second game of the series at Romeoville Thursday afternoon.
