GBN Freshman-A Can't Hold the Lead and Drop One to New Trier 5-2, Spoil Great Pitching Performance by David Burnside

On one of the worst possible days to play a game, the GBN Freshman-A squad squared off against New Trier on the varsity field at Glenbrook North.  Weathering 45 degree temperatures and wind chills in the single digits, David Burnside pitched a gem through six innings.  Burnside had provided strong pitching and received solid defense and was clinging to a 2-1 lead as the Trevians batted in their half of the seventh.  However, a weak infield hit and sharp liner had landed two runners on base for the Spartans.  Burnside was able to induce a pop fly bunt attempt but the next runner reached on balls to load the bases.  

Coach Graham made a visit to the mound at this point and decided to stick with Burnside and called for his infield to play in.  As is usually the case, the next batter was able to line a ball just passed the outstretched arms of an infielder, scoring tying run.  At this point, Graham decided to bring Brice Call in relief of David Burnside and maintained the infield depth.  Fortunately, Call was able to induce a weak middle infield grounder which Sage Bruhl fielded cleanly but he was unable to throw an accurate throw home and two more runs came home now setting the Spartans back 4-2.  Another run came across on a passed ball and it was the Spartans turn to see if they could muster a comeback despite the set back and the cold.

The Spartan half of the seventh looked promising as Peter Witty singled to lead the inning off but the 3-4-5 hitters were unable to mount any hitting attack and left Witty stranded.  The loss was only the third loss in 18 games and was one of the first real challenging games the GBN Freshman faced.  To the credit for New Trier, their starting pitcher, Ryan Hacke, has consistently given the Northbrook players trouble and today was no different.  Hacke threw a strong game was matching Burnside pitch for pitch keeping his team close enough so they could mount a comeback.  

The GBN Freshman-A square off against Fremd on Saturday at 10:30 at Glenbrook North High School.