Reported by Jack Witthaus

 

The intense gusts at Parkway North put some wind in the Vikings sails today, as they cruised to a 6-1 victory over the St. Louis U. High Jr. Bills.

            Vikings freshman pitcher, 15-year-old Joey Reeves, tossed a complete game, striking out five and only giving up one walk. Reeves started the season on the Vikings JV team and worked his way up to the varsity squad.

            “(The varsity team) was getting beat by JV in practice, so the best way to solve that is to take some of their pitchers,” Parkway North’s head coach Fred Freidman said about his team in the beginning of the season. “I can’t say enough for (Reeves’) composure (today).”

            Giving him a little peace of mind, Reeves received a steady stream of offensive support the entire game. In the bottom of the first, North strung together four base hits and tallied three runs on the scoreboard. Junior Daniel Brodsky started the rally with a base knock, followed by senior Michael Bozarth and junior Justin Campbell.

            Brodsky, Bozarth and Campbell scored all six Vikings runs with two other rallies in the third and fifth innings. Bozarth led his squad with a two-for-two day, two stolen bases, and an RBI. Sophomore catcher Garrett Taylor joined in as well, knocking in two runs in the fifth with a triple.

            “The offense was amazing,” Reeves said after the game with a sling of ice around his left arm. “It’s the best offense ever.”

            Without junior ace Brian Howard, SLUH succumbed to North’s barrage and used three pitchers in the effort. Senior Andrew Clark started the game, gave up three runs in the first, and was lifted after a Brodsky single in the third. Senior centerfielder Paul Simon—who had only pitched once on the season—hurled three innings, giving up three runs. Junior Kaleb King pitched a scoreless sixth.

            All three pitchers only mustered three strikeouts.

            “We didn’t play poorly,” SLUH’s head coach Steve Nicollerat said. “They won the game. I tip my hat to Parkway North and certainly wish them the best.”

            Although Reeves held SLUH in check, the Jr. Bills threatened the Viking lead in the top of the seventh. With two outs, senior L.J. Hernandez batted in Simon for SLUH’s lone run of the day. Hernandez did all he could for the Jr. Bills, going three for four with a triple.

            However, Reeves held on for the victory. The Vikings and their faithful rushed the field after the final out and dog-piled next to the mound.

            “It’s an amazing feeling,” Freidman said. “Couldn’t be prouder for everybody. … We’ve come a long way. It’s been hard work, but they’ve stayed with it and stayed positive. And you know, good things happen to good kids.”

            Parkway North will now face the hometown team Willard on June 1 at Meador Park at 7:00 p.m.