Big fifth lifts Brother Rice

A six-run fifth inning propelled No. 10 Brother Rice to 9-5 win over host No. 7 St. Rita Thursday in a Catholic League Blue matchup.

The Crusaders' win sets up a rematch for the Catholic League Blue title Saturday morning at Brother Rice.

Bobby Schuch, Cameron Anello, Tom Rynne and Mike McQuillan each had an RBI in the fifth. Schuch's and Anello's came on doubles.

The highlight of the Crusaders' big inning, though, was Ricky Palmer's bunt. Palmer laid down a squeeze bunt to the right of home plate, forcing St. Rita pitcher Tony Zych to make a backhanded flip to home that was off the mark. As a result, two runs came in.

McQuillan also cracked a solo home run in the top of the fourth for the Crusaders (22-6, 9-4).

“We were able to take and keep the momentum," Brother Rice coach Tim Lyons said. "McQuillan’s homer was a momentum changer and Ricky showed what a great team player he is [with the squeeze].”

Lefty Pat Gannon (7-1) scattered nine hits and got out of trouble several times leaving 12 runners stranded for Rice. The Mustangs fell to 24-6 and 9-4 in conference.