By Drake Skleba

NEW LENOX – On a picturesque opening day, Lincoln-Way Central defeated Romeoville 4-2 in the season opener for both clubs. Lincoln-Way Central catcher C.J. Meilicki put on a clinic behind home plate for the Knights, throwing out four Romeoville baserunners. Three Spartan runners were gunned down at second and a fourth was shot down at third by Meilicke. The last two larcenists were nailed in the Romeoville sixth with the Knights clinging to a 4-2 lead.

“I did a good job behind the plate today,” he said. “My pitchers were all throwing the ball down the middle and I figured I’d make some plays for them on the base paths. I felt good throwing the ball today and I thank my shortstop Jack Krull for making some outstanding plays at second which helped me look a little better than I was.”

Lincoln-Way Central picked up single runs in the first and second innings. A bases-loaded walk to senior 3B Joe Gianares brought home the first Knight run and an RBI single by Knight RF Nick Bechtold drove home senior LF Matt Filkins, who had tripled.

In the third inning, Filkins came up with the hit of the game, when he ripped a clutch two-out, two-run single with the bases loaded, to give the Knights a 4-0 lead after three.

“I was looking for a first pitch fastball and really tagged it,” said Filkins. “I saw the ball well today and hit well.”

On the mound for the Knights, senior RHP Matt Doherty (1-0) mowed down the Spartan hitters over four innings. Doherty gave up one single and one unearned run to pick up the win on the mound. Doherty fanned six Spartan hitters.

“I came out a little nervous in the first inning. I walked some guys and C.J. helped out by throwing everyone out on the bases,” said Doherty. “I threw the ball well and except for the walks. I’m really happy with my performance.”

Romeoville (0-1) had two hits in the game coming from junior 3B Mitch Zack and junior CF Mike Torres. Spartan RBI came from senior C Matt Venn and junior LF Brandon Lisak. Junior Brian Hurley fired three hitless innings in relief of Spartan starter James Rooks (0-1).

The game was the coaching debut at Romeoville for Spartan head coach Dave Haskins. Haskins had successful coaching stints at Prairie Ridge and St. Charles East, winning the 2008 Class 4A state championship at Prairie Ridge.

“I’m very satisfied with our first-game performance. We battled and did a number of good things,” said Haskins. “We still have things to work on but today was very encouraging.”

Meilicke added a perfect day at the plate with two walks and taking a fastball off his elbow for the Knights.

“Pitch me inside and I’d gladly take one off the elbow every time. I have a 1.000 on-base percentage that I’m going to try to keep.”

“I thought we did a lot of god things today,” said Lincoln-Way Central head coach Sean Bieterman. “C.J. had a tremendous day for us today. I don’t have to talk to the pitcher with C.J. back there. He is a great leader for us.”

Biterman added: “Matt Doherty threw the ball well as all our pitchers did today. Matt Filkins had a big day at the plate for us.”