RallyNorth.net

Tue, Apr 13, 2010 03:30 PM @ Greater Lawrence

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Final
Whittier	1	1	1	0	2	4	3	12
Greater Lawrence	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	2

Cats' Crowley shines in surprise start

Tuesday, April, 13 By Hector Longo
Staff writer

 

WEST ANDOVER - With a pair of all-leaguers returning ahead of him, Whittier Tech's Shawn Crowley never dreamed he would get the baseball from coach Joe Boland on Opening Day.

That never stopped the Wildcat senior from dragging himself out regularly through the winter, working out indoors through the frozen months.

Yesterday, the eager right-hander got his just desserts. After a year of dues-paying, with last season spent on the JVs, Crowley took the opportunity and the baseball and ran with them, tossing four sparkling innings in the Wildcats' 12-2 win over rival Greater Lawrence Tech.

"He asked me Monday if I was ready, and I told him, 'sure.' He said that was good because I was going to pitch," said Crowley, who went four strong, allowing a pair of unearned runs on two hits and no walks while striking out a pair.

"I just did what I could to pump myself up and get ready for it."

It was a fine destination for Crowley's long journey into the lineup. Last season, he showed wisdom beyond his years, choosing to go down and play JV as a junior. He chewed up innings instead of riding the pine at the expense of his ego.

"It was a little tough, but it turned out to be the best thing," said Crowley. "I got a chance to work on some things, mechanics. And I got to lead that team. I was voted captain."

Over the offseason, he spent time with staff ace Dillon Ryan, talking pitching and working out on mechanics.
Yesterday, Ryan admitted he expected to earn the Opening Day start, but he had no trouble backing off for Crowley.

"He's worked really hard for it, and he deserved it," said Ryan. "He threw strikes and that's really what matters. He's a great kid and he's going to help this team."

Unlike Ryan, who started at QB for the Super Bowl title football team and at shooting guard this winter, Crowley's focus is on one sport, baseball.

Yesterday at work on his auto body co-op job at Regan Ford's collision center, Crowley found himself drifting at times to his thoughts on the hill.

"Everyone at work was behind me, they were excited for me," said Crowley.

His reward for the win couldn't be bought for any price.

"My dad came over to me and gave me a hug, he was pretty proud," said Crowley. "He's been to all my games for so long. I know this meant a lot to him. And to me."

 

Cats pull away late

 

Giving up a pair of unearned runs early, Whittier pecked away by scoring in six of seven innings, pulling away late for the win.

The Cats rapped 11 hits, paced by leadoff man Steve Surette, who went 3 for 5, scoring three runs and driving in three as well.

Nate Allen, who drove in a pair of runs, added two hits, as did Ryan.

The Cats started a pair of freshmen, including Nathan Frongillo at second and Andrew Wells, who opened the game at third and came in to pitch three perfect innings of relief with three strikeouts.