Suiter doubly dominant for Valpo

Updated: April 14, 2011 2:18PM

VALPARAISO - Jerrick Suiter went the distance Tuesday afternoon to lead Valparaiso to a 7-1 victory over Crown Point.

With major-league scouts on hand, the Valparaiso standout did not disappoint. Suiter scattered four hits over seven innings, allowing just one run while striking out eight. He also reached base safely in all four of his at-bats, with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored.

"I used my fastball and curveball to get out ahead of hitters," Suiter said. "Once I was able to get out ahead, I could use the rest of my stuff to get hitters out."

Many players would let the pressure of pitching in front of pro scouts get to them. But Suiter is used to it by now.

"I went out to California and played in front of 250 scouts," Suiter said. "It's just part of the game."

Vikings coach Dave Coyle was pleased with Suiter's performance, and one word summed it up for him.

"Outstanding," Coyle said. "He's a great kid, been great to work with. He's the kind of kid that you wish you had three of them."

Suiter's dominant performance was helped by outstanding defense behind him, as the Vikings seemed to make play after play to keep the Crown Point hitters off the basepaths. Coyle, who is also the defensive coordinator for the Vikings' football team, knows the importance of good defense.

"Defense can make or break a pitcher," Coyle said. "We stress defense in practice."

The Vikings offense was led by Dom Coatsolonia and Billy Timmerman, who each went 2-for-3 with an RBI, stolen base and two runs scored. Nick Simon and Greg Thome each had doubles for the victorious Vikings (3-1).

The Bulldogs (4-2) knew that they had a tough task at hand in facing the TCU-bound Suiter, but coach Steve Strayer thought they improved as the game went on.

"We looked overmatched at times early in the game," Strayer said. "But we looked more comfortable as the game went on and competed a little better. We faced a good pitcher today and he did well."

The Bulldogs offense was led by right-fielder Joe Hopman, who went 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Designated hitter Nick Brun went 1-for-2 with an RBI.

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