Ridgewood Heats Up the Diamond

The thermometer might have hit 80 degrees, but it paled in comparison to the heat coming off of the Ridgewood baseball team. The Maroons were on absolute fire as they burned past DePaul Catholic with an 11-1 victory.

"It was an overall great day for us," designated hitter Dan Yelvington said. "From top to bottom, I think we were seeing the ball real well, and luckily we were able to put up a lot of runs because of it."

A high-scoring output is always nice to have, but today it wasn't necessary because starting pitcher Alec Fenstermacher pitched an absolute gem going five innings while striking out nine Spartans.

"My arm felt good. It was loose and limber, which enabled me to put my pitches where I wanted and how I wanted,"said Fenstermacher, who only allowed three base runners on the afternoon. "My fastball, cutter and curve were all on target and I'm just happy I was able to have a good game for the team."

Fenstermacher struck out the side in the top of the fifth and clearly had more left in the tank. However, due to the 10-run mercy rule the game was subsequently called.

What led up to that point was a seven run second inning where eight Ridgewood batters reached base before a single out was recorded. The key at bat of the frame belonged to Richardson Dudley, who stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded. In turn the sweet-swinging lefty delivered a three-run triple down the first base line.

"The pitcher tried working me up and inside, but I was able to get around on it pretty well," said Dudley, who was later brought home by Yelvington with a deep shot off the left field fence.

Tacking on the other two runs for the Maroons were Russel Tanner, who connected with a chopper to plate Yelvington. Two batters later Chris Rotta brought home Tyler Welence with a shot through the middle.

Leading 10-1 in the bottom of the fourth, Ridgewood needed just one more run to induce the mercy rule. Yelvington came through yet again with a two out blooper to score Kurt Hommen.

"Obviously, I try and approach every at bat with the mind set of getting on base," he said adding, "but it always makes it extra special when you have an opportunity to put an opponent away."

The win moves Ridgewood's record to an impressive 13-4 as they try and stay hot heading in to May.