Lockport shows some fortitude

Updated: May 31, 2011 6:44PM

Entering the playoffs, Lockport was one of the hottest teams in the Southland.

The Porters rallied to claim the SouthWest Suburban Blue title and were hoping the momentum would lead to an extended postseason.

But a bad inning Saturday against Neuqua Valley resulted in a 7-3 loss in the regional final. Lockport had led 2-0.

“We’d been playing so well and then all of a sudden we had a bad inning,” Lockport coach Andy Satunas said. “We missed a few flyballs and misplayed a bunt. We didn’t hit with runners in scoring position. It was very uncharacteristic of how we had been playing.”

The Porters were 12-8 at one point, but won 12 of their last 18 to finish 24-13.

The feat was even more remarkable considering Lockport didn’t have No. 1 starter Jake Bulthuis, who sat out the entire season because of a shoulder injury, and expected No. 2 man Mike Grindstaff, who transferred to Joliet West.

But Mike Hamilton and Garrett Kooi, the expected Nos. 3 and 4 men in the rotation, admirably filled the Nos. 1 and 2 slots.

Hamilton will attend the University of St. Francis in the fall.

“Those two guys really stepped up for us,” Satunas said.

The offense did its part as well. Senior infielder Matt Skrzypiec (.415), junior outfielder Austin Mastela (42 RBI) and sophomore catcher Ted Snidanko were consistent performers at the plate.

Skrzypiec will join Bulthuis at St. Joseph’s in the fall.

“Matt did very, very well,” Satunas said. “He had some clutch hits. Austin was amazing during conference and Ted has a bright future.”

The same can be said of Lockport, which figures to return six starters next spring.

The biggest holes to fill will be on the mound. Satunas has high hopes for junior Nick Davito, who pitched in some big games this spring.

Additionally, candidates from the conference champion sophomore squad will have an opportunity to show their stuff.

“We don’t have that ‘buzzsaw kid’ who can just mow people down,” Satunas said. “The summer will be key for us. We expect to make some strides”

Great event at H-F

The All-Star Crosstown Classic Eighth Grade All-Star Game, between the Homewood and Flossmoor youth baseball organizations, takes place Thursday through Saturday at Homewood-Flossmoor High School.

All three games will begin at 8:05 p.m. Cost is $8 per game or $15 for a three-game package. Children under age 12 get in free.

Proceeds will benefit the Homewood and Flossmoor baseball organizations.

The winner of the series will be awarded the Crosstown Classic Trophy.

Bieterman
reaches milestone

Congratulations to Lincoln-Way Central coach Sean Bieterman, who recently won the 200th game of his career.

Bieterman just completed his second season at Central after a stint at now-closed Driscoll Catholic.

The Knights finished 14-18 this season.

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