New Trier's Kost puts clamps on Loyola

Updated: April 9, 2011 7:38PM

New Trier right-hander Brian Kost had Thursday's game against Loyola earmarked for a couple weeks, and he wasn't about to let an opportunity to beat the neighborhood rival Ramblers slip away – especially after losing to them during the basketball season.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Kost seized the opportunity, as he pitched six solid innings and the Trevians' offense came alive late to defeat Loyola 9-3 in a bitterly cold nonconference game in Winnetka.

Kost (1-1), who's signed at the University of Illinois, scattered six hits, struck out five and walked two to help the Trevians improve to 4-3. He held Loyola (1-7) scoreless through four innings – enough time for New Trier's offense to warm up.

"Loyola – it's always good to get that ‘W' against those guys," said Kost. "I knew I was getting the start a couple weeks ago, so I had time to prepare for it. We will win our share of games, but Loyola is definitely sweeter."

Locked in a pitchers' duel with Loyola junior left-hander Jon Savarise (0-2), New Trier busted open a 1-1 tie with four runs in the bottom of the fifth. After consecutive one-out walks, senior first baseman Eric West sliced a two-run double, and came around to score on senior Kevin Samuelson's pinch-hit double.

Samuelson also delivered a two-run homer during New Trier's four-run sixth inning.

"I've been struggling a little bit, but today I was fortunate to get ahead in the count and took advantage of it," said Samuelson, who finished 2-for-2 with three RBI.

Despite the frigid temperature, pro scouts were out en masse to see New Trier star outfielder Charlie Tilson, who went 1-for-3 with two runs scored, two stolen bases and a walk. Even with his two outs, Tilson displayed his blazing speed, one of the main reasons why he's considered a high-round draft pick.

Second baseman Eddie Fay went 1-for-1 with two walks and two runs scored for the Trevians, and West finished with three RBI.

Catcher Logan Spurlin delivered a two-run single in the sixth inning to pace Loyola. The Ramblers committed an error in the fifth and sixth innings that contributed to New Trier scoring eight runs in that span.

© 2012 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.