By Sean Duncan

LISLE ? All of Nick Burdi?s starts will be heavily attended by pro scouts this spring. That?s what happens when you?re considered a top-round draft pick. The scrutiny began Monday for the Downers Grove South ace, as about 20 pro scouts were in attendance for the Mustangs? season-opener at Benet Academy.

After putting a 95-mph fastball on the leg of Benet leadoff man R.J. Gatto, and walking the next batter, Burdi settled down to dominate his four-inning stint during No. 2 Downers Grove South?s 8-3 victory over Benet.

Burdi, who?s one of the top pitching prospects in the country, allowed one hit, one run, walked one and hit one batter in his first start. His fastball sat at 92-94 mph, reaching as high as 95 on several occasions. After the first inning, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound right-hander struck out five straight in the second and third innings. In the third inning, he struck out the side with sit-down pitches of 91, 94 and 95 mph.

?I thought the first inning was kind of shaky, but I settled down,? said Burdi. ?I felt strong. I worked really hard in the offseason.?

On a 50-pitch count, Burdi departed after the fourth inning with the Mustangs leading 5-1. Senior right-hander Matt Wivinis picked up right where Burdi left off. Wivinis, who?s signed at Kansas State, allowed two hits and two runs in three innings work to seal the victory. Wivinis struck out five, walked one and hit one batter. Wivinis struck out the side in the fifth behind a consistent 85-87 mph fastball and a sharp curveball. Wivinis also tallied a double, triple and a RBI at the plate.

?It was good to get both [Burdi and Wivinis] quality work in before our spring trip,? said Downers South coach Darren Orel.

Downers Grove South scored two runs in each the third and fourth innings to break a 1-1 tie. Second baseman Kyle Engel collected two hits and scored three runs for the Mustangs, who also got big contributions from the bottom of the order. No. 8 hitter Andrew Hietpas, a senior right fielder, went 3-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored, while No. 9 hitter Nick Radenkovich added a pair of RBI singles.

Junior left-hander Chris Sanderson struck out five in three innings for Benet in its season-opener. Facing arguably the state?s best 1-2 pitching combination, the Redwings? offense produced three hits.