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Kenealy delivers a win for Richards
Updated: April 22, 2011 2:06PM
Dan Kenealy has had a knack for coming through in the clutch this season.
So when the Richards senior stepped up to the plate with a runner on second base in a tie ballgame vs. Lemont, Bulldogs coach Brian Wujcik was confident Kenealy would meet the challenge.
The Bulldogs' leadoff hitter didn't disappoint.
Kenealy lined a two-out single up the middle to score Jon Danielson to give Richards a 6-5 win over visiting Lemont in a South Suburban Red thriller that took eight innings.
Richards (9-4, 4-1) has won four straight.
"Danny has been coming through in clutch situations all year," Wujcik said. "He's developed into the guy we want up at the plate."
Danielson walked to start the frame for Richards. Kenealy, who was 2-for-5 with three RBI, worked the count to 3-and-1 before jumping on a fastball.
"He (Mark Kirkman) threw me two straight curveballs, so I was looking for a fastball," Kenealy said. "I was trying to hit something hard up the middle."
Mike Hall's one-out, two-run triple in the top of the seventh tied the game at 5. Hall was 2-for-4 on the day.
The Indians' inability to advance Hall home would come back to haunt them.
Richards starter Carlos Rodriguez struck out the next two hitters to keep the game tied and gave his team a chance to win it.
The senior right-hander scattered nine hits, had three walks and struck out 12 during a 125-pitch performance.
Joe Lyons pitched a perfect eighth to gain the win.
"We missed some opportunities with guys on base," Lemont coach Joe Rodeghero said. "We're just not getting the big hit."
The Indians (5-6, 1-3) left nine runners on base. Kevin Goergen (2-for-5) and Josh Ferry (2-for-3) drove in runs for Lemont, which battled back from 4-1 and 5-3 deficits.
Starter Jeremy Santiago labored through seven innings and 101 pitches, allowing six runs (3 unearned), nine hits and two walks. He fanned three.
Jim Augle (3-for-4) and Lyons (2-for-4) had multihit games for Richards. Danielson reached base three times.
"I think if we can get more consistent with the bats we can be a dangerous team," Kenealy said.
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