Superior uses singles, speed to stifle Proctor in season opener
by Kevin Kotz
News Tribune staff writer

Superior's high school baseball field is nicknamed "the launching pad' for its short outfield dimensions.

The Superior Senior Spartans relied on singles and speed, however, to run past Proctor 9-1 Thursday in the season opener for both teams.

The Spartans did have one blast -- a 315-foot solo home run by junior Chad Susens -- but 10 singles and six stolen bases did most of the damage.

"We have good speed and we knew they had a young catcher behind the plate. We tried to take advantage of that," said Superior coach Steve Olson. "We have only two starters back from last year's team, so this is basically a whole new crew.

"We might have a couple of players who can take the ball deep, but right now we're still trying to find the right combinations. We just want to put the ball in play and hopefully bunch together some hits."

The Spartans were clinging to a 2-1 lead in the Lake Superior Conference game before breaking loose for six runs on seven hits in the fifth inning.

Neil Anderson, a junior making his first varsity start, ignited the outburst with the second of three hits. Mike Gidley reached on an error and Nate Koch knocked in Anderson with a sinking single that eluded the Proctor right fielder.

Tim Nelson, who was 2-for-3 with three RBIs, made it 5-1 with a two-run single to center. Following a walk to Brian Sweeney, Susens slapped an RBI-single down the right field line, knocking Proctor starting pitcher Mike LaLonde out of the game. Troy Warren relieved for the Rails, but Anderson singled in another run for Superior.

"Mike did a good job for the first outing of the year," said Proctor coach Guy LeBlanc. "We just couldn't get an out in the fifth inning. When a good team like Superior gets on a roll, it's hard stopping them."

Spartan starter Jon Nettleton kept the Rails in check, allowing a run on one hit in five innings.

Superior's quickness also prevented Proctor from a potential big inning in the third.

Jeff Sullivan led off with a single to left field, but the relay throw sailed over Spartan second baseman Gidley and Sullivan continued on to third base. Derek Parendo reached on an error to give the Rails runners on first and third with no outs.

Dan Hamski then punched a line drive toward center field, but Gidley dove, knocked the ball down and flipped it to Koch, who completed the double play as Sullivan scored.

"That was the turning point of the game -- I thought we had some momentum going, but they get the double play and our chance at a big inning goes down the drain," LeBlanc said.

Added Olson: "We were conceding the run to get the double play. It's important for us to play good defense to help our offense. Today we hit the ball hard a couple of times and we had a couple that needed seeing eye dogs. Overall, it was a good way to start the season.

"With speed and defense, we should be able to stay with most teams and maybe we won't need the long home run," Olson said. "So far, it's working."

(Duluth News Tribune, April 19, 1991)