Published: May 09, 2008 08:10 am         

Schlarman downs Westville

Woodworth earns 200th career victory

WESTVILLE — The Schlarman Hilltoppers overcame an early deficit and blew open a close game late to post a 9-2 victory Wednesday over the Westville Tigers.

With the win, Schlarman moves into a first-place tie with Salt Fork in the Vermilion Valley Conference, both teams are 10-4.

Not only was it the third straight victory for the Hilltoppers (15-9-1), but it also was the 200th coaching victory for Schlarman’s Jason Woodworth.

“We got a couple of good hits in good places and took advantage of some errors they made,’’ Woodworth said. “We had a good all-around day defensively and Aaron Lewellyn kept us in the game. He gave us the opportunity to get the win.’’

It was a big day for Lewellyn, who went the distance allowing two runs on five hits with three strikeouts and three walks.

He also led the way offensively going 4-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.

“We have been doing a lot more with Aaron at the plate and he has been doing some good things for us,” Woodworth said. “He has shortened up his swing and is hitting the ball hard.”

Michael Kasper was 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI, while Scott Showers reached base three times.

The bright spot in the game for Tigers (13-15 overall, 8-7 in the VVC) was the effort of sophomore starting pitcher David Toth.

“David did an outstanding job,’’ Westville coach Joe Brazas said. “This was his first conference start. He threw strikes and gave us a chance but we just didn’t make the plays behind him.

“When you play a team as good as Schlarman you know its going to be tough anyway, but the errors just really hurt us.’’

Jordan Barney led the way offensively with a triple and reached base three times, Lucas Stern was on base twice, and Toth helped his own cause with an RBI single.

“You know every play Jordan will give you 110 percent and he also had a good day in the field,” Brazas said. “Lewellyn is a tough pitcher with great velocity and good off-speed stuff. I thought as a team we hit the ball well and scored early, we just couldn’t keep it going.’’

With the postseason approaching the Hilltoppers appear to be getting hot at the right time.

“It was not only our third straight win it was our third straight conference win which is always nice,’’ Woodworth said. “We have been up and down lately but with regional only a week away we know its time to get ready and play more consistent baseball.’’

The Hilltoppers has a unique doubleheader scheduled for today at Danville Stadium.

Schlarman will play Paris in a contest at 4:30 p.m. and then take on Hoopeston Area in a contest at 7 p.m.

The Cornjerkers will be playing their second VVC game of the day as they are scheduled to play in Bismarck against the Bismarck-Henning Blue Devils at 4:15 p.m.

Westville can still play spoiler in the VVC as the Tigers have a game in Jamaica on Friday against the Salt Fork Storm. First pitch is set for 4:15 p.m.