Hinsdale Win Nail Biter in the Twilight

With John Spacapan pitching for Hinsdale, the Red Devils came into the game full of confidence on the back of six straight wins.  However they started slowly and only recorded one run in the first two innings, thanks to Chris Bobo stealing home.  Spacapan was having some difficulty finding his groove and threw a lot of pitches early on.  However, he worked his way out of the jams well and Glenbard were unable to take advantage.

Hinsdale added to their lead in the third thanks to a Spacapan single and 2 RBI’s off the bat of SS Ryan Daspin.  Unfortunately an error and a wild pitch immediately gifted the Hilltoppers two runs and cut Hinsdale’s lead to one.  This was corrected though in the top of the fifth when Sean Houlihan knocked in Bobo, who had walked and Pat Foley who had laid down a nice bunt single.  The lead was extended in the sixth when a Jack Gilbert single and another Bobo base on balls both led to scores after a Foley RBI and an error.  Hinsdale was now winning 7-2 and the game looked all but over.

Unfortunately, John Spacapan was showing signs of tiredness having thrown close to 100 pitches.  Having loaded the bases on walks in the sixth he was replaced by Jack Gilbert.  Glenbard scored one on a sac fly and two on an overthrow to first which would have completed a double play and ended the innings.   Instead it was a 7-5 ball game.

Hinsdale scored an insurance run in the top of the seventh (Britt Conte RBI) and Jack Gilbert came out again to close.  By this time, the gloom was falling and conditions were difficult.  The lights did come on eventually but they never had chance to warm up.  Unfortunately, the umpire was the only one didn’t seem to want to go home, narrowing the strike zone to the size of a postage stamp.  An immediate error by the Hinsdale defence allowed a runner for Glenbard and the pressure was on again.  With two outs and bases loaded, Gilbert walked in a run.  Nerves were jangling at 8-6 with men on first and second for the Hilltoppers.  The next batter hit a shot to center field which if it had dropped would have scored two and tied the game.  However, speedy CF Phil Zarcone got there in time for the catch and saved the day for Gilbert and the Devils.  No more games like that please guys.  My heart won’t stand it.