David, Neuqua Valley go on the offensive

Neuqua Valley felt like it hadn’t truly proved itself this season heading into Tuesday’s match up with Prairie Ridge.

The Wildcats had won 19 times in 22 chances, but they hadn’t defeated any top teams.

On Tuesday, they finally achieved what they were missing. Putting on an offensive show before its home crowd in Naperville, Neuqua Valley cranked out 16 hits and defeated the Wolves 15-6 for its 14th consecutive win.

“We haven’t beat any great teams,” Neuqua Valley senior Jason David said. “We finally got this one.”

David and the rest of the batting lineup helped enable that. David led the offensive power by going 3-for-5 with a grand slam and six RBI. His home run was part of a five-run fourth inning that broke open the game against Prairie Ridge (17-7).

“I didn’t get quite all of that,” said David of his home run. “I thought it was going to be a sacrifice fly. It kept going and I thought I had a chance.”

Two batters after David, senior Ken Vrtis left no doubt when he smashed the ball over the left-field fence. It was his first career varsity home run. When he rounded third base, he shared his excitement with Wildcats coach Robin Renner.

“He said, ‘Coach, I thought I’d never be able to do that in my life,’” Renner said.

Neuqua had six extra-base hits and scored multiple runs in four innings. Ian Krol (3-for-5, two runs) and Travis Weldon (3-for-3, two walks, three runs, RBI) contributed in the win. Senior Brian McNabb was hit three times and scored three runs.

“This is normal for us,” Renner said of the team’s offense. “We’re very fortunate to have guys who can swing the bat.”

Starting pitcher Craig Provow struggled in the opening two innings, allowing six runs, five hits and three walks , but settled down afterward. He threw five innings and allowed six runs.