McTague’s big bat lifts Spartans

Updated: April 29, 2011 8:06PM

Once Jenny McTague made contact, she had a feeling.

So did everybody else at Glenbrook North.

The Spartans sophomore drove a 2-2, two-out pitch over the

centerfield fence for her first career grand slam. McTague’s second

homer of the season — and second of her varsity career — left little

doubt who was in charge Friday.

McTague also pitched all seven in the circle to carry the Spartans to

the 6-1 victory against Hersey.

“I went in there with the mindset that I was going to hit whatever was

thrown to me,” said McTague, who also walked twice at the plate. “I

figured it was going to be a strike.”

Instead of enjoying her celebratory trip around the bases, McTague

sprinted around the infield.

“I was excited,” she laughed.

After the homer, McTague went to work on Hersey’s hitters. She set

down the Huskies in order over the next three innings. McTague didn’t

let a ball out of the infield in either the fifth or sixth innings.

“My fastball and drop ball were working for me,” she said as the

Spartans improved to 8-5-1. “Those are my go-to pitches.”

Hersey (4-12) got its run in the seventh after Melissa Cecala walked

to start the inning. She scored on Angela Schmiederer’s ground ball to

second base.

Sarah Platt was charged with all six runs before Angela Lazzeretti

came in to pitch 4 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.

“That was a huge hit for Jenny,” Glenbrook North coach Jenn Mau said.

“That sealed the deal for us. She definitely got a hold that.”

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