Biondi, Highland Park stop Buffalo Grove

Without a big strikeout pitch, Christian Biondi must rely on his defense to make all the plays.

The Highland Park right-hander received plenty of help Saturday night during a 5-3 victory over Buffalo Grove at Elfstrom Stadium in Geneva. Biondi recorded seven groundouts over 5 2/3 innings of work.

"My fastball was good," said Biondi, who did collect four strikeouts while allowing seven hits and four walks. "I know I have a bunch of guys that can make plays."

Giants coach Eddie Pieczynski praised No. 13 for following the script..

"Christian threw strike one a lot, and he used his defense," said Pieczynski, whose team improved to 6-4. "Our infield did a great job."

The biggest plays came in the fifth and sixth innings. First, shortstop Jordan Schwartz scooped up a ground ball and turned it into a 6-3 double play in the fifth. Biondi then found himself in a jam in the sixth when the first two runners reached base. But he struck out Andrew Van Wazer and then watched catcher Jason Goldstein pick a runner off second base.

"(Goldstein) is that kind of a kid," Biondi said. "He'll come through when you need it."

"I always tell Jason to keep throwing," PIeczynski added. "He has a good arm, and he he's smart about when he throws it."

Biondi (1-0) certainly delivered aces in his first start of the spring. He helped his cause by ripping RBI singles to left in the first and third innings.

The other key hitters for the Giants included Schwartz (1-for-1, 3 walks, 2 runs) and Goldstein (1-for-2, RBI).

Highland Park reliever Brett Shimanovsky earned the save, giving up one run in 1 1/3 innings. The lefty ended the game with a strikeout (he struck out two).

Buffalo Grove fell to 4-6 despite the offensive work of Ryan Nisbet (1-for-3, double, run), Van Wazer (2-for-4, RBI), Jake Monson (1-for-2, run), Tommy Ricciardi (1-for-3, double, RBI) and Kevin Tennenbaum (1-3, triple, RBI).

"We hit the ball well," said Bison coach Jeff Grybash. "We've been presented with opportunities where we have to come through. The positive thing is we've put ourselves in good situations, but we have to finish."

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