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On what was a perfect July night for baseball, Hounds’ pitcher Ryan Taylor threw a near perfect game, shutting out the Michigan City Lakers and securing the 3-0 victory for his team. The Hounds felt as if they had some unfinished business to handle with the Lakers after dropping their last contest with them due to their poor defense and decision-making. As for tonight’s matchup, the Hounds’ clean play led them to another well-deserved victory and tonight’s win extends DuPage’s win streak to a season-high five games.

 

We are a little past the half waypoint of the MCL season and it is safe to say that a majority of the Hounds’ pitching staff has been bitten by the injury plague at some point this year. At this point in the season, it seems to be a norm to see the face of a brand new pitcher down in the DuPage bullpen. These constant injuries have even forced manager Sean Osborne to use everyday position players in key relief situations.

 

As for tonight, Osborne got the night off from worrying about who he was going to throw in relief since his starting pitcher Ryan Taylor was absolutely dominant from start to finish. Taylor went the complete nine innings in which he allowed no runs on three hits while striking out three. It’s safe to say that the key to his complete game success was that he did not walk one single batter, which ultimately kept his pitch count under 100. On top of that, he helped out his own cause by hitting a booming fly ball to right, which was deep enough for the runner at third to tag up and score. Not bad for a kid who just finished his high school season a month and a half ago.

 

The Hounds’ hot offense was kept in check tonight as the combo of Lakers’ pitchers only surrendered three runs on six hits. Joe Duncan hit out of his familiar leadoff spot where he reached base twice on a walk and a single while also stealing his team-leading 16th base of the season.

 

Hunter Morris was the other half of tonight’s successful pitching performance as he called an excellent game for Taylor behind the plate. Morris also reached base twice in his four plate appearances on a walk and a single. Shane Carrier continued the trend of reaching base twice in his four plate appearances on a walk and a single.

 

Riche Gorski took his everyday position at third base where he continues to flash his gold glove defense. He also continues to contribute on the offensive end, going one for three with a single and a stolen base. Matt Wollnik was the Hounds’ offensive MVP yet again, going two for three with two singles, two RBIs and a stolen base. Somehow Michigan City found a way to quiet the hot bat of Ryan Fitzgerald, although he did reach base once on a walk, then proceeded to steal second where he would eventually come around and score. 

 

For Michigan City, Colin Willis , Anthony Olund and Chris Delgadillo each had one of the three Laker hit. Pitcher Mike Lorenzi was handed the loss after he gave up two runs on four hits while striking out two in his four innings of work. John Cristo came on in relief and threw the fifth and sixth inning where he gave up one run on one hit. Finally, Chad Mateja threw the final two frames where he gave up no runs on one hit.

 

The Hounds and Lakers will be back at it again on Thursday, July 16th at the Lemont High School Sports Complex at 5:00 PM (CT). After tonight’s win, the Hounds currently lead the season series five games to one. As far as the entire MCL goes, the Hounds continue to sit in first place where they are currently three games above Lexington and four games above Northwest Indiana.