Cougars Rally To Force Split With Lakers

CRESTWOOD, Ill. – Luca Paolucci's fifth-inning double gave Roosevelt the lead for good in the opener as the Lakers split a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader with Saint Xavier on Saturday at Ozinga Field.

Paolucci's two-run double broke a 3-3 deadlock to lift the Lakers (17-14, 8-8 CCAC) to a 6-5 win over the Cougars. Roosevelt then had a two-run lead entering the ninth inning of the second game, but could not close out the contest. Instead, Saint Xavier rallied for a 7-3 win in 11 innings to send Roosevelt to its fourth consecutive doubleheader split.

The first game of the day was off to a crazy start with both teams scoring twice in the opening inning. The Lakers' first two runs were the product of two errors from the Cougars that helped Roosevelt tie the game. Bryce Hayman doubled into right field then Kekoa Ogawa flared a ball into short center field that was dropped by the Cougars' outfielder. James Berry drove home Hayman on a failed double play fielder's choice, leading to Sammy Estrada tying the game when his grounder was misplayed by the third baseman.

A sacrifice fly in the third inning broke the tie and gave the Cougars a 3-2 edge, which held until the bottom of the fifth inning. Ogawa singled to lead off the frame then moved up to second on a passed ball before Jack Kieffer walked. Estrada walked to load the bases then a wild pitch advanced everyone up 90 feet, tying the game.

Paolucci strolled to the plate and ripped a line drive just inside the third-base bag, resulting in the other two runs scoring and the senior standing at second base. Sebastian Casillas went down the right field line for a triple to plate Paolucci and give the Lakers a 6-3 lead.

The lead was enough for Omar Abuelhija, who allowed four runs in 5 2/3 innings to earn his fourth victory of the season. The senior righty nearly escaped trouble in the sixth inning unscathed, but allowed the final run before being replaced by Griffin Lamarche. The junior from Manhattan, Ill. struck out the only batter he faced in the sixth then worked around some trouble in the seventh for a four-out save.

The second game of the day was a classic pitcher's duel until the eighth inning with runs and hits scarce between the two teams. Saint Xavier scored on a double steal in the second inning, but managed just three hits off Roosevelt starter Angel Morales. Morales struck out five and didn't walk anyone in eight innings of work and left with a 3-1 lead after throwing just 90 pitches.

Jojo Mack led off the second game for the Lakers with a single then Roosevelt didn't have another hit until Aiden Brushaber found the hole on the right side of the defense in the fifth inning. That single drove home James Berry, who walked to start the inning before advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt and to third on a deep fly into left field.

It felt like the Lakers were going to break through for the sweep in the eighth inning when they went on a two-out rally to take the lead. Mack walked then Hayman doubled over the left fielder's head to score Mack. Ogawa ripped a single through the left side of the infield to score Hayman, giving Roosevelt that 3-1 lead.

Unfortunately, Saint Xavier scored two in the ninth off Ogawa and the Lakers stranded a pair of runner in the bottom of the ninth. Neither team threatened much in the 10^th inning, but the Cougars scored four in the top of the 11^th on four hits before Roosevelt went down in order in the bottom half of the inning.

The Lakers have a quick turnaround before returning to Ozinga Field on Tuesday at 1 p.m. for another CCAC doubleheader. Roosevelt will host Judson for the first of two midweek doubleheaders over the coming weeks between the two teams.