Mastela's big hit lifts Lockport to win

Updated: April 7, 2011 4:04PM

Practice paid off for Lockport's Austin Mastela Tuesday.

The junior right-fielder came up with the biggest hit in a slugfest that saw the Porters prevail 13-8 over Lincoln-Way West in New Lenox.

With his team trailing 6-4, Mastela laced a bases-loaded triple down the right-field line to put the Porters (5-2) ahead for good 7-6. Mastela is a right-handed batter and has been practicing hitting to the opposite field.

``I was pulling everything in every game this year,'' Mastela said. ``I've been practicing by letting the ball get a little deeper especially on the outside pitch. I was looking outer-half on that pitch because they always pitch outside when they are up one strike in the count.''

His hit was one of 19 that the Porters pounded out in the afternoon. Lockport posted five runs in the fourth inning as Mastela drove in Billy Reed, Ted Snidanko and Matt Skrzypiec. Mastela was 2-for-5 and scored two runs. Skrzypiec was also 2-for-5 with a home run that bounced off the top of the fence, and had three RBI.

``Matt is a three-year varsity starter and a leader for us,'' Lockport coach Andy Satunas said. ``The younger guys all look to him and he has done a great job to start the season.''

The Warriors (4-1) got off to a good start by scoring six runs over the first three innings. Dan Fifer helped his own cause with a two-run double in the second inning as Lincoln-Way surged to a 4-2 lead. Ryan Clavenna knocked in a run with a double and Robert Hubbard picked up an RBI with a single to maintain a 6-4 lead after three.

Dan Bauer came into to pitch for the Porters in the third inning and the Warriors bats quieted significantly. Bauer allowed just two runs over the last 4 2/3 innings to pick up the victory.

``Dan is just a junio,r but is working his way into being a starter for us,'' Satunas said. ``He shut a good hitting team down today.''

The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Lockport after narrow losses to Joliet Catholic and Lemont.

John Kosmowski had a three-hit effort for Lockport.

Cody Vogler and Clavenna had three-hit games for the Warriors. Vogler hit a home-run to left field in the sixth inning.

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