Duguid leads Libertyville to win

Updated: April 25, 2011 6:24AM

Facing an 0-and-2 count with the bases loaded, Jake Duguid shifted into protect mode.

But the circumstances quickly changed when the Libertyville catcher saw a third straight fastball down the middle. Duguid blasted the ball close to 375 feet for a bases-clearing double to spark the Wildcats to a 10-5 victory over visiting Vernon Hills on Thursday.

"The ball jumped off the bat," said Duguid of his third-inning blast to left-center field. "When I hit it, I felt like it was gone. I just put my head down and ran."

Moments later, Duguid heard a sound.

"I heard the ball hit the fence," Duguid said. "I knew I had to get my head up and find the ball."

The Wildcats (7-5) trailed 2-1 when No 15 stepped to the plate.

"You don't want to disappoint your team," Duguid said. "It always feels good when you get the big hit."

"Jake has had a couple of big hits for us," said Libertyville coach Jim Schurr, aware Duguid delivered a big blow during a 13-3 win over Lake Zurich on April 13.

Duguid was hardly a one-man show, as the Cats piled up 12 hits. The other producers included A.J. Schurr (2-for-4, double, 2 RBI), Joey Ruppert (2-for-3, run), Darwin Townsend (2-for-2, 2 runs), Robbie Dittman (1-for-3, RBI) and Trevor Freberg (1-for-1, RBI).

Pitcher Joey Eichmann (3-1) kept the Cougars off the board in five of his six innings. Eichmann did give up two runs in the second when Tyler Feece homered and Chris Argianas hit an RBI double. But Eichmann settled down after that frame, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out eight and walking two.

"His curve and splitter were working real well," Duguid said. "Joey is very easy to catch, because he knows what he wants."

Duguid admires Eichmann's ability to hit the glove.

"If I want it outside, I know he'll throw it outside," Duguid said. "He has good command of all his pitches."

Vernon Hills (13-4) did manage to put up three runs in the seventh off reliever Matt Dohse. The Cougar leaders on offense included Chris Marras (3-for-4, double, RBI), and Steven Nelson (2-for-3, 2 doubles, RBI).

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