By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Bloomington South had been waiting for an offensive explosion. The Big Bang came at Bedford North Lawrence’s expense.
The Panthers, ranked No.10 in the latest Class 4A state poll, pounced on, and pounded on, the BNL hurlers, cranking eight extra-base hits – including two mammoth home runs – while blasting out a 21-4, mercy-rule victory on Monday.
South (6-0) scored more runs than its last four games combined, while BNL (2-4) gave up 20-plus runs for the second time against a ranked 4A foe this season. Luke Arnett and Drew Palileo clubbed the homers as the Panthers totaled 15 hits and added 10 walks in five innings. They wore a path in the turf around the bases.
“We started a little slow offensively this season,” South coach Phil Kluesner said. “We’ve been good, but not quite that good. It’s good to get it out, it was a pleasant sight.”
Pleasant for the hitters in purple, uncomfortable for the other side. South scored three runs in the first, then ignited for eight more in the second, four in the third and five in the fourth.
”We didn’t play very well, definitely on the pitching side and defensive side,” BNL coach Steven McNabb said. “We have to do a better job, and it starts with me. I will take full responsibility for not being ready to go.
”To compete against a team like that, our pitching depth isn’t quite ready yet. Not taking away from our guys, that’s the reality. We’re young, and we’re growing. When our top two guys are not on their games, it’s hard. Not making excuses, but anybody watching would agree, it’s just where we are and we have to battle through it. I’m not slighting anyone, they’re great kids and I’m excited for their opportunities. We have to learn from it.”
Connor Couch had three hits, including two doubles, and four RBIs. Arnett had three hits, highlighted by his towering blast to right field in the fourth, and five RBIs. Palileo hammered his homer to left in the third and drove in four runs.
“We’ve got the pitching, if we can just score runs,” Kluesner said. “We can pitch against anybody, but we have to figure out how to step up the offense. We’ve got the guys, hitting can be temperamental. I think it was contagious today.”
BNL did show some power. Jackson Jones ripped a two-run home run in the third, and J.J. Lirot continued his recent surge with a solo shot in the fourth.
“Jackson has been a constant at the top of the order,” McNabb said. “J.J. is coming into his own. It’s pretty cool to see.”
BNL fell to 2-4. In the four losses, the Stars have allowed 63 runs.
“We have to feel a little embarrassed by how it played out, myself included,” McNabb said. “I ran some sprints with them, I’m in this with them stride for stride. Tomorrow is a new day.
”We have to find some leadership. Last year we had seniors who led the way. We have guys looking around at each other, wondering who will be that guy. We need to find them.”
The Stars will visit Borden on Tuesday.
