By Drake Skleba
Senior Writer

DOWNERS GROVE – Downers Grove North (4-0; 3-0) completed a statement that originated on Saturday: The Trojans are back. Behind a complete-game gem from senior left-hander Lucas Fisher (2-0), the Trojans completed their sweep of the defending West Suburban Silver champs from York, defeating the Dukes 5-2.

After outslugging York 14-7 and 12-7 on Saturday, the Trojans could only muster six hits against York ace right-hander River Pitlock (1-1). Pitlock went the distance, allowing five runs and six hits while striking out three.

Trojan senior centerfielder James Sheldon led the Trojan attack with two hits and two RBI. SIU-bound Connor Kopach tripled and singled home a run in his day of perfection at the plate. Senior first baseman Troy Southard had a clutch RBI single for DGN.

York (2-3; 0-3) picked up an unearned run in the top of the first to grab an early 1-0 lead.

Downers Grove North tied the game in the bottom of the second on a steal of home by Sheldon. With Trojan runners on first and third with no outs, Pitlock struck out junior right-fielder Dave Henson and Duke catcher Seth Dvorak gunned down Trojan senior DH Jack Goergen at second trying to steal. On the throw, Sheldon broke for the plate and beat the return throw to tie the game at 1-1

The Trojans broke the game open with a big four-spot in the bottom of the fifth. Kopach blooped a single to left scoring junior left-fielder Emil Baftirovski, who had tripled to lead off the inning to give DGN a 2-1 lead.

“It was a hard battle today. We beat a great pitcher in River Pitlock,” said Kopach. “We were able to come away with a big win. I couldn’t ask for a better hit on the triple. I really felt good at the plate today.”

With two outs, Southard laced a clutch two-out RBI single scoring Kopach, to make the score 3-1. Sheldon followed with a two-out, two-run double to break the game open.

“I give credit to my teammates for getting on base so I could drive them in,” said Sheldon. “It was just a great overall performance by the Trojans today. Lucas was solid on the mound and we had a solid day defensively.”

York picked up a run in the seventh against Fisher on a force play off the bat of Duke first baseman Anthony Santos. Fisher then made his best pitch of the night inducing a game-ending 6-4-3 double-play.

“I was tiring a little in the seventh but my defense stepped up and turned to two to end the game,” said Fisher. “We’re off to a great start. We’re really looking forward to hosting LT on Saturday. We have to come out swinging.”

York senior centerfielder Pete Doughty had three singles to lead the Duke attack.

The Trojans will host No. 9 Lyons Township in a huge early-season showdown doubleheader at Legion Field, Saturday at 10.

“Lucas pounded the zone today and did a great job for us,” said Downers Grove North head coach Chad Isaacson.” James Sheldon had a great day at the plate as did Connor Kopach.

It’s so early in the season but this is great way for us to start.”