Nazareth Advances to Final Four with a 7-2 win over Grayslake Central.

Dominic Purpura was determined to do everything he could to help his team advance to the Final Four in the 3A State Championship.  The 6-foot-4, 180-pound left-hander took the mound for the Road Runners of Nazareth Academy and looked dominant the entire game, striking out 8 and only giving up 2 runs on 6 hits.  He also helped himself out at the plate going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.  Though he had a great day himself it was the win for the program that was the best part and being able to be on the bottom of the dog pile after the final out.

The first three innings of the game made it seemed that it was going to be a pitcher’s duel.  With only a total of 3 hits being given up between both pitchers and no one getting further then second base. 

Christrian Edwards, a LHP got the start for the Rams and matched Purpura inning for inning until the fourth when he ran into some trouble.  Edwards would eventually load the bases after getting two outs from a fielder’s choice and some good defensive plays by his center fielder Nick Hosford, who hosed sophomore Tim Dalporto at the plate to keep it a 0-0 game.  Edwards would walk in a run and then made a nice pitch to generate a routine foul ball to the right fielder but Sean Boban couldn’t come up with the catch and 2 pitches later Mark Perrone made them pay by hitting a single through the four hole, scoring two runs, and giving Nazareth a 3-0 lead.

In the fifth inning Nazareth was in position to strike again but Grayslake got out of the jam with a triple play that I am still trying to figure out how the umpires made the call.

Nazareth would add 3 more runs in the fifth and sixth inning to extend their lead to 7-0.  The Rams tried to make a comeback in the bottom of the sixth inning but Purpura would only let up 2 runs.  He would then strike out 2 in the seventh and got a fly ball to the left fielder to end it.

Scouting Notes

Dominic Purpura, was pitching 80-82 mph and topped out at 83 mph.  He mixed in all three of his pitches well and kept hitters off balance all night spreading out 6 hits through 7 innings.

Tim Dalporto, sophomore for Nazareth was 1 for 4 on the day with a booming double to left center, he impressed with his size and actions in the field.

Mark Perrone, Senior for Nazareth was 3 for 4 on the day with 3 RBI.