St. Francis still perfect after 25 games St. Francis still perfect after 25 games (May 07, 2004)

Nationally ranked Lancers take WCAL title

By Colleen Corcoran

"It's a mysterious thing. I don't understand it," said St. Francis coach Chris Bradford on how and why his 25-0 baseball team claimed the West Catholic Athletic League title last Friday with a 5-0 shutout against Riordan.

There is no one superstar that stands out. But shortstop Kyle Spraker, second baseman Dan Descalso and left fielder Ryan Lee will be headed to college on baseball scholarships next year.

"We've got talent. We play hard and smart, and they work hard," said coach Lou Lucas. "Nobody's ever complained no matter how severe or long our practices are, and the chemistry's just terrific. Good thing about this team is that they like each other and they're just great people to have."

But for a team ranked fourth in the nation by USA Today, the Lancers don't pile on the runs. Instead, with healthy bats and strong arms, the Lancers are able to overwhelm their opponents with total competency.

St. Francis maintained just a 2-0 lead against Riordan until Descalso hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning, extending the lead to 5-0.

And pitcher Rex Petrill, now 9-0, closed the sixth inning with three outs on three pitches.

"World record -- three pitches," said Bradford.

Local and national accolades have been heaped upon the team over the course of a still perfect season. No one is getting too caught up in the status derived from success though.

"It's nice and we all have it in our minds, but we're not coming out here to preserve the streak," said Petrill. "We're here to win the WCAL title which I think we clinched today, and then we're going on to CCS and WCAL playoffs. So I think the streak is secondary to completing our goals for the season."

At the very least, everyone can agree that it's been a good run. Against Riordan, it was business as usual for an almost flawless middle infield. There were some errors -- an interference call that cost the Lancers a base -- but the Crusaders couldn't compete.

Following Descalso's seventh-inning home run, Riordan's pitcher was wearing a get-me-out-of-here look of total defeat. Minutes later, his wish was granted.

As the season comes to a close, the pressure for perfection mounts.

But, coach Bradford said, "I don't think about the end of the season. I'm thinking about tomorrow, I really am. I'm not thinking, what if this or what if that. What happens happens."

E-mail Colleen Corcoran at sports@mv-voice.com

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