By Sean Duncan

JOLIET - No. 8 Lemont gave a glimpse Saturday as to why the Indians are considered one of the favorites to win the Class 3A championship. Although it was both teams? season-opener, Lemont made a strong statement by thumping No. 43 Joliet Catholic Academy, 9-2.

Both Lemont and JCA are two of the top Class 3A programs in the state this year ? and they will likely see each other again in the state tournament, as they play in the same sectional. JCA has earned three consecutive state trophies, including a state championship.

University of Illinois-bound RHP Josh Ferry made certain from the outset that the Hilltoppers were in for an uphill battle. The 6-foot-4 Ferry was dominant, as he struck out 10 in five innings work. Ferry yielded four hits and walked three. His fastball in the first two innings sat at 86-89 mph, and he used his 77-80 mph slider to continuously keep JCA hitters guessing ? and ultimately walking back to the dugout. Ferry struck out two batters in each of his five innings.

?I expect that type of performance from him every time he takes the mound,? said longtime coach Joe Rodeghero. ?He?s the only four-year varsity player I?ve ever had, and he?s really a special kid.?

Lemont junior LHP Tyler Jay picked up right where Ferry left off. Jay struck out two, walked one and allowed no hits in the final two innings. Jay?s fastball sat at 83-85 mph and he routinely threw his curveball for strikes.

Lemont?s offense did its part, too. The Indians scored three times in the first inning, the big hit coming on Mike Hall?s two-run single. Hall finished with four RBI, as he collected a pair of two-out, two-run singles. Lemont scored at least one run in the first four innings, and led 7-1.

All nine Lemont starters had at least one hit. Leadoff man Trevor Murphy, a Southern Illinois University recruit, was on base four times, scored twice and had two singles. Junior right fielder Kyle Milinowisch delivered a pair of RBI doubles, and Michigan State-bound shortstop Kevin Goergen went 2-for-3 with two runs scored while playing stellar defense.

?I thought I threw too many pitches, but overall I felt pretty good out there,? said Ferry. ?This win gives the team confidence going into our next games.?