Bruce Marchionda scattered 7 hits over 7 ininngs to earn a complete game win over the Angels, 6-3, at Faulkner Field in Gurnee.  The victory increased the Bats (5-4) lead over the second-place Angels (3-5) to 1 1/2 games in the 45s Wood Bat Division.

     An appreciative Marchionda received plenty of help from the Bats defense which converted 13 ground balls into outs.  The Angels hitters were so stifled by Marchionda his outfield only recorded 3 putouts all day.

    The Angels scored first in the second inning compliments of a lead off bloop single which eventually came into score on a two-out infield single that died in the grass.  The Bats came right back in the top of the third when Denny Prosperi stroked a two-out single to center field to score Marchionda who had singled earlier in the inning.

     The Bats escaped a jam in the bottom of the third when the Angels put runners on first and second with one out.  Martchionda took a ground ball back up the middle and threw to John Moulchin for the force at third who threw across to Denny Prosperi at first to nip the runner at first to end the inning.  Prosperi made a great dig out of the dirt on the low throw to save the out.

     In the top of the fourth ininng the Bats had their largest scoring output in 38 innings when they scored 3 times to take a 4-1 lead.  Ron Skrabacz led off with a single to center followed by Tim Scotellaro's single to right.  Both runners advanced on an errant pick off attempt at second.  Ken Kozlik then singled home Skrabacz. 


    

    

(story still under construction ...)


BATS NOTES:  The 3 runs the Bats scored in the fourth inning marked only the second time they scored more than 2 runs in an inning this season.  Their only other such inning came on May 16 when they scored 7 runs in the first inning against the Grays, a streak that had reached 38 innings. .... Despite the game being played in distant Gurnee, IL Don Gragnani made his first appearance out at ballpark since his season-ending shoulder surgery.  He coached third base for the Bats and learned there is no stopping Randy Harris once he gets going.  Don has made excellent progress with his range of motion and is ready to begin strengthening exercises.

BATS STARS OF THE GAME:
Star #1: Bruce Marchionda - Bruce pitched a complete game victory surrendering only 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits.  He struck out 4 and walked only 1.  Bruce also went 1-for-2 and scored the Bats firdt run to tie the score, 1-1.
Star #2: Dave Krizanovic - Dave drilled a clutch 2-out 2-run double down the left field line to increase the Bats lead to 6-2 in the fifth inning.
Star #3: Denny Prosperi - Denny was 2-for-2 with an RBI single in the 3rd inning to tie the score, 1-1.  Denny made several good fielding plays at first base including an excellent pick on a low throw to complete a double play in the third inning.
Honorable Mention:  The Bats defense - For the third game in a row the Bats defense was solid, converting 13 ground balls into 13 outs.

Hitting Highlights:
Tim Scotellaro, 2-for-3, 1 run
Ken Kozlik, 1-for-3, 1 run, 1 RBI, SB
John Moulchin, 2-for-3, 1 RBI
Bill Quoss, 1-for-3
Darryl Eanos, 1-for-3
Bruce Marchionda, 1-for-2, 1 run
Dave Krizanovic, 1-for-2, 2B, 2 RBI
Denny Prosperi, 2-for-2, 1 RBI
Ron Skrabacz, 1-for-2, 1 run