Simeon slaughters Prosser

Simeon's Michael McSmith cruised to a two-hit shutout Wednesday as Simeon routed Prosser 16-0 in a second round Public League playoff game.

While McSmith was strong on the mound, the Wolverines bats were hot as they cranked out 10 runs in the first inning against the overwhelmed Falcons pitching staff.

Simeon will play the winner of Whitney Young-Northside Prep today at UIC (The results of the game were not available by Defender press time).

Simeon head coach Leroy Franklin says he was hesitant about using two freshman in a critical game.

"I have no problem with playing them because they are very good ballplayers, no matter what grade they are in," he told the Defender.

Showing the poise of a senior, McSmith, who missed five games this season because of a broken hand, was in control of the game from the outset.

"I don't feel any pressure because I know I have a good team behind me," McSmith said. "I know that if they hit the ball, my fielders are going to make the play."

Simeon took the suspense out of the game early by roughing up Prosser starter Rich Smorow. The big hits in the inning were a pair two-run doubles by Florence and Charles Lott.

"I think I stuck with Rich too long today," Prosser head coach Jay Thompson told the Defender. "All season long he has worked his way out of problems, but he just couldn't do it today.

"I tried some things today that just didn't work out. We're really a much better team than the final score indicates."

Prosser's record falls to 12-10 with the loss. Their only hope to playing more ball this season is if they are chosen to participate in the state Class AA playoffs.

Simeon continued the assault against Prosser reliever Anthony Koski, scoring two runs in each of the second, third and fourth innings. The game was called after five innings because of the "slaughter rule."

The win improved Simeon to 25-7 on the season. After struggling late in the season, Franklin feels his team is peaking just at the right time.

"We really played a good game today," Franklin said. "We've been struggling a bit, but I think we're finally starting to get it together."

In other Public League playoff action. Harlan edged Von Steuben, 15-13; Hyde Park got past Lake View, 10-3; Lane Tech denied Mather, 8-3; and Clemente defeated Taft, 12-3.

Article copyright REAL TIMES Inc.

Photograph (Michael McSmith)