Unbeaten Crusaders bash way past Marist

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Combine Brother Rice and Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood, and fans get more than their money’s worth when it comes to run production.

Playing at the Windy City ThunderBolts’ home field for the second time this season, the top-ranked Crusaders blew an early six-run lead only to regroup for a 16-10 win over nonconference rival Marist on Tuesday night.

Brother Rice defeated Marian Catholic in a 16-12 slugfest April 9 at Standard Bank Stadium.

“It’s been very consistent that when we play here, we hit the ball very well,” Brother Rice coach Tim Lyons said. “The kids like playing here, and we take it as a privilege. Anytime the lights go on and you’re in a stadium like this, it energizes everybody’s bat.”

Brother Rice improved to 22-0, the longest one-season winning streak in the program’s history.

Leading the offensive explosion for the Crusaders was second baseman Steve Finno, getting a rare start rather than playing his usual reserve role. The senior went 3-for-3 with a walk and five RBI.

“It was just getting a chance to play and do what I can,” a smiling Finno said.

Could the strong showing be a bid for some more playing time?

“That’s what coach (Lyons) was saying in pregame when I was hitting good,” Finno said. “I knew I could do it.”

Also contributing were Bob Schuch (four runs), T.J. Bujanski (four runs, two RBI), Kevin Koehler (two RBI) and Ryan Koziol (three RBI).

After building a six-run advantage through three innings, Brother Rice gave it back in the top of the fourth.

Marist batted around in the inning as Adam Lawler smashed a two-run single, Clay Emmrich laced a two-run triple, and Dan Pavesic grounded out to second to score Emmrich.

Leadoff man Steve Mazurski followed with a triple to right-center and came home on a wild pitch to knot the game back up at 7-7.

Back batting, Brother Rice responded with two more runs in its half of the fourth as Koziol and Finno both drove runs in with bases-loaded walks.

But the offensive display was far from over for either team.

Marist (12-10) went up 10-9 with three runs in the fifth, but Brother Rice matched the RedHawks and also sent nine batters to the plate in the bottom of the fifth.

Courtesy runner Ryan March scored on a wild pitch to tie the game at 10, but RBI singles from Finno and Bujanski gave Brother Rice the lead.

Koehler scored on an outfield error, and Tom Rynne’s sacrifice brought home Koziol to give Rice a 14-10 advantage through five innings. The Crusaders added two more in the sixth for the final margin.