By Matt Yarber

Plainfield – In a tight cross-town rival between No. 3 Plainfield North and Plainfield Central, the Tigers of Plainfield North were able to withstand a seventh inning rally by the Wildcats and secure the 5-4 win.  Notre Dame bound Joey Cresta got the W for the Tigers going the distance (7 IP, 6 H, 3 BB, 6 K, 4 ER).  He also helped himself out at the plate going 1-4 with a mammoth 2-run HR in the 5^th inning that put the Tigers up 4-2. 

The Wildcats made a valid comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning.  Cresta walked two of the first three hitters and then junior Blake Kerzich got an infield single to load the bases.  Senior, Joe Sparacio, brought in one run with a sacrifice fly to centerfield, to bring the score to 5-3.  Mike Bentson came up with two outs, men on first and second and roped a liner down the right field line.  Kerzich tried to score all the way from first base but was thrown out at the plate and the Tigers held on to a one run lead to win the game.

Scouting Notes

• Plainfield North starting RHP, Joey Cresta, a Notre Dame recruit, was 83-87 mph for the game and featured a 70-73 mph breaking ball with tight spin.
• Plainfield Central starting RHP, Tim Blake, was 84-86 mph and then slowed down in the 5^th sitting 77-82 mph. 
• Plainfield Central junior Blake Kerzich, went 3 for 4 with one run scored.  Two of his hits were infield singles that he beat out, really showing off his speed.