PALOS, IL: The Homestead Ranchers
defeat Cal-Sag 8-3, 8-4, and 3-1 to move atop the North Division of the GPCBL.
In the first game,
Mike Guinane pitched 6 strong innings and John Saleh closed up shop as the offense took advantage of some wildness of the
CalSag staff and added some timely hitting en route to an 8-3 win. Stellar defense by Bob Cook and 2-out hits by Chris
Kruppe and Aaron Hopson in the victory.
In Game 2, Andrew Touhy scored 3 times with 4 hits along
with big hits by Cook and Hopson as Butch Biela and John Saleh were brilliant out of the bullpen to secure the win.
Game 3 saw Matt Rupert dominate early before handing the ball to Chris Metz and Saleh again to
seal the deal. Cook, again, supplied the key blow and defensive gem in the 7th to turn back a late charge by the ChannelCats.
"These were total 'team wins'. It's a cliche--but very accurate in
this case. Our pitching has given our offense a chance this past month and our lineup has responded with some big hits"
said Coach Phil Apostle. "Rupe and Metz were huge today. I thought Butch really attacked the zone, too.
The sleeper in this run is Saleh. The guy is lights out right now. He--along with that kid from Indiana--are the best
closers I've seen this summer."
Monday night the Ranchers will be home to Southland Vikings--winners
of 9 straight. "Kid" Cassidy will get the ball.