Baseball: Andrew survives Stagg upset bid

Updated: April 26, 2012 9:00PM

Andrew continued its recent pattern of failing to execute with runners on base Thursday against Stagg and it nearly proved fatal.

Stagg, however, made a pair of costly miscues — one mental and one physical — that helped host Andrew escape with a 3-2 win in eight innings.

The victory kept Andrew (17-6, 7-0) — which stranded 11 runners and left the bases loaded in the third and fifth innings — perfect in the SouthWest Suburban Red.

“We couldn’t come up with the big hit. That’s been our story the past few weeks,” Andrew coach Dave DeHaan said. “We went through that stretch early in the year when we were scoring 10 runs a game and guys were coming through constantly with the big hit. We’re going to keep working and get better.”

Ryan Forrest (walk) scored the game-winning run when Stagg first baseman Kyle Belluomini couldn’t handle third baseman Will Maske’s throw on Brian Grad’s grounder with one out in the eighth.

Tyler Hook got the win in relief of starter Marcus Radz. Hook pitched two scoreless innings, allowing a hit, a walk and striking out three. Radz scattered six hits and struck out three over six innings.

“Marcus’ last three outings, he’s pitched really well,” DeHaan said. “Tyler is just a gamer.”

The Chargers (11-11, 4-3) nearly took the lead in their half of the eighth. However, Mike Farnan (3-for-4), who reached on a wind-blown double, was called out at the plate on a bang-bang play at the plate, the relay from first baseman Zach Klockowski to catcher Ryan Supple.

Andrew took a 1-0 lead in the first. Dan Durkin (3-for-3) tripled with two outs and Pat Elget followed with a routine popup that three Stagg infielders allowed to fall for an RBI single.

Stagg responded with two runs in the second to take a 2-1 edge. Brendon Loughlin singled and scored on an Andrew error to tie the game. Mike Rankin, who also singled, crossed the plate on a fielder’s choice by Maske.

Stagg maintained the slim lead until the fifth, when Justin Rzeszutko singled home Durkin to tie the game at 2.

Stagg starter Joe Prete allowed 10 hits and struck out eight, including six looking, over six innings. Sophomore Max Strus took the loss.

“Give their pitchers credit, they did a nice job,” DeHaan said. “Both teams had their chances. I’m just happy we were able to come away with a win.”

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