Sometimes it’s not the quantity but the quality of hits when it comes to winning a baseball game. With that philosophy in mind, the Friars went from both ends of the spectrum last week, securing a 2-0 win over Brother Rice with just four hits in the game after pummeling Seton 19-0 in five innings two days before with a whopping 11 hits in the first inning alone.
“When the bats come alive it’s a good thing, that’s for sure, but even if you get those key hits in certain situations, that’s just as good,” said Fenwick head coach Dave Hogan after his Friars pushed their overall record to 13-10 after Saturday’s victory over the Crusaders in Chicago.
Tyler Sewall, who began Fenwick’s rally in the fourth with a single, earned the victory on the mound. Sewall (2-3) shutout the Crusaders and yielded just two hits, while walking four and striking out four in seven innings of work. After singling in the fourth, he was replaced by pinch-runner John Claffy, who stole second.
Chris Gleason’s RBI double put the Friars on the board. Matt Rooney supplied an insurance run with an RBI single in the same inning.
“This was a real good game, and going in I didn’t know what to expect,” said Hogan of his Friars who are now 4-4 in the White Division of the Chicago Catholic League. “Tyler has been sort of a hard-luck pitcher for us all year, but this time the defensive support was there and we had the timely hitting. It’s an important win for us.”
Everybody hit in Fenwick’s thumping of Seton on Thursday at the Dominican Priory in River Forest. Sewall went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, while Matt Parrilli was 2-for-2 with two RBIs.
Tony Vanisi earned the win, yielding a hit while fanning four and walking one in two innings.
Kevin Sweeney, Fenwick’s No. 3 pitcher last year who was slated to be the ace this season before a shoulder injury during football season kept him off the mound, was cleared to pitch as of May 1.
Hogan said he’s going to ease Sweeney, who pitched an inning with one strike out against Seton, into the rotation this week, possibly against St. Frances de Sales on Thursday.
“It’s nice to have Kevin as an option now on the mound,” said Hogan. “His fastball seems to be hopping, so that’s a good thing.”
The Friars host Bishop McNamara on Saturday at 10 a.m.
“Friday night is Fenwick’s prom, so I’m hoping everyone will be somewhat rested,” added Hogan.
