Coming off a tough loss to Concordia and a subsequent rainout of a matchup with Aurora, the Maroons looked to get off the schneid this past weekend against the University of Dallas.
The Maroons (10–8) got back to their winning ways by taking two out of three games from Dallas (9–20). Chicago split the Saturday doubleheader, which was moved to St. Xavier University to accommodate the Chicagolands track meet, and then rode a five RBI day from first-year outfielder Jack Cinoman, and a complete game from second-year right-hander Alex Garcia, to secure the series victory on Sunday.
“It was very important for us to win the series over the weekend,” assistant coach Scott Budeselich said. “Not solely because of losing to Concordia, but because all of our regional games are important to us.
“We also felt that we needed to put a big win streak together and get way above the .500 mark,” he said.
Chicago set the tone for the weekend with a 14–5 walloping of Dallas, led by third-year right fielder Marshall Oium’s four-for-four day with three doubles and three runs knocked in.
“Marshall has been incredible at the plate and on the mound this year,” second-year catcher Stephen Williams said. “His hitting in the first game on Saturday really jump-started our offense.”
Oium was not alone in his excellent performance in the series opener, as fourth-year pitcher Joe Pankow grinded out a complete game to keep the pressure of the Maroon bull pen in the first of three games. After allowing four runs and seven hits in the first three frames, he settled in and gave up only one run and four base hits the rest of the way.
The nightcap of the Saturday doubleheader did not turn out in Chicago’s favor as they dropped a close 7–5 contest. Down two runs with two outs and the potential game-tying runs on the basepaths, Jack Cinoman hit a sharp line drive, but it was snared by the Dallas second baseman, ending the game.
“It was like any other at-bat,” Cinoman said. “I was just trying to get on base and keep the inning going any way possible. I hit the ball well, but right at him—just part of the game.”
Back at J. Kyle Anderson field on Sunday, the Maroons demolished Dallas 13–4 to take the rubber match with a display of their all-around offensive firepower. Chicago totaled 14 hits, led by Cinoman’s three hits and five RBIs, as well as three hits from first-year catcher Tony Logli.
“We were just trying to bounce back [from the previous night’s loss] and get a win; everyone played well and contributed. It was a strong game all around,” Cinoman said.
Alex Garcia moved to 4–0 as he continued his strong pitching on the year, scattering only seven hits across his nine-inning performance.
“[Garcia] has been our best pitcher to date, and that is saying a lot because of the veteran talented guys that also pitch for us,” Budeselich said. “We hope his start yesterday leads to more innings like that on the mound for all of our pitchers going forward.”
The Maroons will hope to keep the momentum going from their hit barrage and smothering pitching performance on Sunday as they hit the road to take on Dominican today before returning home to face off against Benedictine on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
