By Sean Duncan

LINCOLNSHIRE - No. 6 Stevenson came into Saturday’s nonconference showdown against No. 1 Naperville Central somewhat dejected after blowing a five-run lead to North Suburban Lake conference rival Libertyville and ultimately losing in extra innings the day before.

How would Stevenson respond to its first loss? If the Patriots were still reeling, it wasn’t evident in their play, as they served up an emphatic 10-4 victory to hand Naperville Central its first defeat of the season.

“For us, this was a huge step to bounce back like this,” said Stevenson junior right-hander Tyler Radtke, who was dominant in relief. “To lose yesterday like we did was a heart-breaker. But we shook it off and finished strong today.”

Stevenson (6-1) wasted little time jumping on the Redhawks (8-1) early, scoring three in the first on four hits. Senior centerfielder Corey Lasky (2-for-3, three runs, RBI) set the tone of the game with a leadoff double and the Patriots didn’t stop hitting until they pounded out 14 hits, seven of which were doubles.

Senior first baseman Patrick Wilson led the hit parade by going 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI. Catcher Jeff Ferstein went 3-for-4 with a run-scoring double, and Erick King and Teddy Heiser each contributed two hits. King had two RBI. The Patriots put the game away in the fifth with three runs on four hits, including doubles by Cory Cutler, Alex Daar and Ferstein. Back to back doubles by Wilson and King in the sixth led to two more runs, making it 10-4.

“This is big to bounce back like this,” said Wilson. “From top to bottom, everybody in our lineup contributes.

Radtke, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound junior, made sure Naperville Central didn’t put together a late-inning rally that hurt the Patriots against Libertyville. Behind a sharp 12-to-6 curveball and an 85-88 mph fastball, Radtke struck out eight of the first nine recorded outs. In four innings in relief of starter Merrick McGrady, Radtke yielded three hits, one run, walked one and hit two batters. Radtke’s breaking 74-76 mph breaking ball was nearly untouchable.

“My curveball was really on,” said Radtke. “I know they’re a great team, but I was bringing it today.”

Said Stevenson coach Paul Mazzuca of his team’s performance: “I think this bodes pretty well in the long haul. We had a heart-to-heart talk yesterday about finishing games. The kids responded.”

Naperville Central, which was saving some of its top pitchers for conference games next week, was led by Marc Mantucca, who went 2-for-2 with two runs scored.

“When you don’t pitch, you don’t give yourself much of a chance,” said Naperville Central coach Bill Seiple. “Give them credit, they hit the ball.”