York hammers No. 12 Oak Park

By Drake Skleba

OAK PARK - No. 12 Oak Park, No. 19 Lyons Township and No. 21 York appear to be the main contenders for the 2011 West Suburban Conference  Silver Division title. On Monday, York (5-0; 1-0) made a strong statement, as the Dukes crushed Oak Park 14-0 in a game called due to darkness, with one out in the Oak Park sixth. The game was a first of a big three-game series between the two West Suburban contenders.

York senior Ryan Hinchley was outstanding, as the 6-foot-3 left-hander fired a two-hit shutout at the powerful Huskies. Hinchley (2-0) struck out six in his 5 ? innings of work. It was the second shutout for Hinchley, who earlier blanked Barrington.

?I want to thank my teammates for all of the run-support they gave me,? said Hinchley. ?When you get 14 runs, it certainly makes it easy to pitch.?

Offensive heroes were aplenty for the Dukes. Senior lead-off man Joe Paparone was on base five times. Paparone had three hits, including a pair of doubles, walked twice and scored two runs. His second double produced a Duke run.

?This was just a great team win,? said Paparone. ?I had a good day at the plate but the whole team really produced today. Oak Park is a great team and they will really come after us tomorrow and Wednesday back here.?

Senior 1B Joe Boozell had three hits and two RBI. Senior LF Matt Williams had two hits and two RBI. Senior DH Phil Ganser had two hits and a ribbie. Junior CF Mike Trumble chipped in with a double and a single and plated a Duke run.

?What a way to open up conference play,? said York head coach Dave Kalal. ?The kids really pounded the ball today. Ryan (Hinchley) was outstanding on the mound for us, and what can you say about Joe Paparone. Joe?s are igniter at the top of the line-up. Joe can hit, he has great speed and he give us great defense every game. Tomorrow he?ll be on the mound for us.?

The two teams will meet in Elmhurst on Tuesday at 4:30 and then return to Oak Park (4-2; 0-1) for a 4:30 tilt on Wednesday.