Spartans edge Titans, avenge earlier loss

Updated: May 19, 2011 8:25PM

Brett Synek’s good friends with Mike Reinisch, and that’s why the Glenbrook North’s shortstop’s 6-4-3 double play to end Thursday’s game tasted especially sweet.

The Spartans got revenge from an earlier loss to Glenbrook South with the 4-3 victory in the CSL’s unofficial championship in Northbrook. The Titans beat the Spartans 5-2 on May 2, and both teams ended league play 14-2 to set up Thursday’s game.

“I was shading the middle, and I got a good break on it,” said Synek, whose team improved to 27-3. “Brad (Ruchman) made an unbelievable turn. He did a great job in the field.”

The Spartans twice rallied from behind before Chad Bruce delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the sixth. Synek was intentionally walked prior to Bruce coming to the plate.

“It’s a little frustrating,” said Synek, who finished 1-2 with two walks. “But a lot of these teams know me, and they know what kind of hitter I am. It shows respect, but my team doesn’t need me to win games. Our kids can step up.”

Glenbrook South led 1-0 after the first before Glenbrook North took a 2-1 lead on Ryan Slawin’s two-run single in the second.

The Titans got back ahead in the third on Zach Jones’ two-run single. Jack Day tied the score at 3-all in the fifth before Bruce’s game-winning hit off Josiah Carlson.

“When you walk Brett, you get our No. 3 hitter,” Glenbrook North coach Dom Savino said. “He really battles at the plate, and he puts the ball in play. He’s very consistent.”

Peter Resnick pitched two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win. Henry Erickson went the first five. Sully Stadler and Carlson threw for the Titans (23-7).

Chris Szafranski had three hits in the loss, while Jones added two hits and three RBI. Tyler Hurst finished with two hits for the winners.

Glenbrook South is done until the playoffs next week, while Glenbrook North closes out the regular season Saturday against Libertyville. Both teams are at the Glenbrook South Sectional and could meet for a third time this season in the sectional semifinals June 2.

“This was a little payback and a nice win to have under our belts,” Synek said.

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