Belvidere splits season series with Jefferson

By Bob Kopp

BDR Sports Correspondent

BELVIDERE – Despite heroics by sophomore Brady Hauser who had a no-hitter going into the 4th inning that included striking out the first seven J-Hawks in commanding fashion, the Bucs lost 6-5 after overwhelming Jefferson 11-1 back on April 20.

Belvidere took at 2-0 lead to the top of the 3rd on three consecutive hits.  After junior Austin Revolinski grounded into a force out, he moved to third base on a single by senior Erik Moraza.  Junior Anthony Cottichio knocked in Revolinski with a long double to left which was followed by junior Josh Kugler’s sharp single that knocked in Moraza.

Scoring their first run on an error, the J-Hawks ended Brady’s bid for a no-hit shutout in the bottom of the 4th.  After scoring their first unearned run, a single knocked in a run to knot the score 2-2.

The Bucs bounced back in the top of the 5th with three runs for a 5-2 lead.  Revolinski started the rally with a bunt single, stole second, and scored on a throwing error by the catcher.

Steady hitting Moraza singled again and scored on another double by slugging catcher Cottichio.  Kugler sacrificed Cottichio to third and he scored on a ground out RBI by senior Ryan Snyder.

Sloppy play coupled with an error helped Jefferson tie the score 5-5 in the bottom of the 5th.  Junior Jacob Rodriguez relieved Hauser and halted the host’s rally by striking out the last two batters of the inning.

Bringing in their ace relievers for the 6th and 7th innings to shut down the Bucs in order, Jefferson scored their winning run in the bottom of the 6th on consecutive singles and a ground out RBI.