Baseball: Hopatcong Bats Shine in Homer Dome Opener

Call it a comeback. After taking a tie and a loss, respectively, in its first two games, Hopatcong drubbed Newton, 20-2, on Monday afternoon at the Homer Dome. It was the Chiefs' home opener.

IN SHORT

It was never close. A two-run first inning gave way to a seven-run second for Hopatcong, which clubbed three homers, including second baseman Matt Tobin's first career bomb—a sixth-inning grand slam to center field. Center fielder Joey LoBue and third baseman Jake Winch also went deep. Matt Cautero pitched all six innings, staying out of trouble most of the afternoon for his first win.

CHIEF OF THE GAME

LoBue—The senior center fielder went 1-for-2 with a homer, a single, a hit-by-pitch and a walk. He also scored four runs.

LoBue showed why he'll be integrel to the Chiefs' success this season, hammering mistake pitches and owning the basepaths with two steals. A four-year starter, LoBue can be a difference-maker at the plate and center.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES

Tobin—The basketball star showed he's got diamond skills, too, going 2-for-2 with a grand slam, a double and two walks. Head coach Chris Bugslovsky said he wants Tobin to focus mainly on defense and situational hitting. But if Tobin keeps it up, he could see himself rising from Hopatcong's No. 9 spot.

Winch—Monday must have been sweet for Winch, a former Brave. He moved to Hopatcong this season and has adjusted nicely. This was no exception as Winch went 2-for-3 with a homer, a single, a walk and a strikeout. He scored three runs.

THEY SAID IT

"We can't be a team that relies and doubles and home runs. You've got to be able to do some small things—hit and runs, bunting, stealing. Things like that. We really, [Monday], put an emphasis on that. That's going to benefit us later on down the road and that's the biggest thing I'm taking away from this."—Buglovsky

Up Next—Butler on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Hopatcong High School.