Spartans' Pazda nearly perfect vs. Reavis

Making the switch from the team’s closer as a sophomore to a starter, Oak Lawn’s Dan Pazda has hit the ground running.

Boasting a 5-1 record coming into Tuesday’s start against Reavis, the junior pitched another gem with a complete game in Oak Lawn’s 3-2 win over the Rams.

Oak Lawn improved to 21-3 overall and 12-1 in the South Suburban Red.

“Dan moved into the starting role without a hitch,” Oak Lawn coach Brian Clifton said. “He’s been really solid all year, and he’s a smart kid who knows how to pitch to guys, remembers who he’s facing and how he got them out before.”

Pazda allowed six hits and one walk. He had four strikeouts.

“In the offseason, I just threw a lot, and when I was younger I was a starter too,” Pazda said. “Coming from the closer role, it wasn’t tough because I was used to a lot of pitches. It’s been all right.”

Pazda gave up a run in the first on a Robert Waddell single and a run in the second on a Mike Forsythe single.

The Spartans responded with runs in the first two innings.

Nick Gulino’s groundout in the first scored Jim Mallek. Chris Cascarano came home in the second on a Reavis infield error.

With the game tied at 2, Pazda appeared to be in trouble in the third. Dennis Beauregard and Rob Rabakozi strung together singles with no outs. Waddell then hit a screamer to Mallek at shortstop, and Mallek raced to second for an unassisted double play.

“It was huge with no outs,” Mallek said. “I just caught the line drive and beat the guy to second. It was a big play.”

Pazda got Zach Smerz to pop out to end the inning.

“I knew if I kept pitching eventually (the defense) would make a play,” Pazda said. “Mallek made a nice play to get me out of the jam and got the momentum back.”

In the fifth, Mallek’s groundout to second scored courtesy runner Rob Green to put the Spartans up 3-2.

Pazda shut down Reavis (14-12, 9-4) in the final two frames. The Rams’ Tom Falbo (2-for-3, 2 doubles), who reached via a walk, was caught trying to steal second to end the game.

“When (Oak Lawn) got runners in scoring position they were able to put the ball in play,” Reavis coach Don Erickson said. “We weren’t able to. We had a couple opportunities where with one hit we’re right back in it, but it was just one of those days.”

Smerz threw six innings for the Rams, giving up five hits and striking out two.