Gomez's perfect game leads Andrean to Bajenski finals

May 24, 2014

By Drake Skleba
Senior Writer

CRESTWOOD - In the second semifinal of the Steven M. Bajenski Memorial Tournament, total perfection was achieved. Merrllville (IN) Andrean senior lefty Danny Gomez faced 15 Providence batters and retired all 15, while his teammates pounded out 10 runs and nine hits as the 59ers crushed the Celtics 10-0 in five innings. With the win, Andrean (24-4) will meet the defending Steven M.Bajenski Tournament champions from Joliet Catholic Academy in the championship game at 7 p.m. on Saturday night at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood.

Andrean broke open a scoreless tie with a six-run third inning and put the game away with a four-run fourth. Andrean’s junior DH Alex Vode had an RBI single in the third and answered with a two-run single in the four-run fourth.

“As as a team we were really jacked-up,” said Vode. “I wish we would have had this much enthusiasm in our conference games last week. I really wanted to hit for Danny because of the tremendous effort he gives us everytime he goes on the mound.”

Meanwhile, Gomez was mowing down the Celtic batters. Gomez took a 10-run lead into the top of the fifth and retired the first Celtic hitter on his third strikeout of the game.Out number two was achieved on a grounder to junior shortstop Nick Podkul, who fired a strike to senior first baseman David Cox. With the Andrean crowd on its feet, Providence’s Jake Godfrey lifted a fly ball to 59er Matt Desomer and when it came down into DeSomer’s glove, perfection was achieved.

“I pitched on Monday and I wasn’t 100 percent but I battled and my defense was great behind me,” said Gomez. “I really wasn’t that nervous going out to the mound in the fifth. I was very confident in myself and my defense. My last no-hitter was in Little League.”

Providence (21-13) will meet No.1 St. Rita (30-4) in the third place game at 4 on Saturday afternoon.

“Danny pitched on Monday and we have never brought anyone back on just three-days rest,” said Andrean head coach Dave Pishkur.”We hit the ball well. We played great defense and Danny threw strikes. We’re really happy with this win and we feel good showing everyone here in our first appearance in this outstanding tournament, that we play good baseball in Indiana and we’re in the championship game.”

You can watch a replay of Danny Gomez’s perfect-game at www.highschoolcube.com. Your truly had the honor of providing the pay-by-play of perfection.

Gomez's perfect game leads Andrean to Bajenski finals

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