The Saint Patrick Shamrocks opened the 2006 season by winning a pair of non-conference games. On Monday afternoon the Shamrocks beat DeLaSalle 5-1, and on Thursday they defeated Guerin College Prep. by a score of 3-0. Strong pitching and defense were the keys for Saint Patrick as they got complete games from both of their starters and didn’t allow an earned run in either game. Saint Patrick Head Coach Dan Eberle felt good about the Shamrocks’ opening week performance, “it is always good to start the season with a couple of victories, but it also gives us an opportunity to see what areas we need to improve.”

Mike Kotz, who struggled last year with a record of 1-1 and an earned run average over eight after dominating at the sophomore level a year earlier, took the mound in the opener. Kotz proved that he has returned to his 2004 form with six strong innings in which he allowed just four hits and struck out three while giving up only one unearned run. The Shamrock offense staked Kotz to an early lead with a three-run second inning. Catcher Mike Giller’s two-run double was they key blow as the Shamrocks jumped out front. Both Giller and left fielder Noah Reyes finished the game with two hits and two RBI, while shortstop Tim Mohs added a pair of singles.

Luke Vail took the ball against Guerin on Friday and turned in a dominant performance. Vail pitched seven shutout innings, striking out 12 while allowing only two hits. The Gators threatened in the top of the first, but had their best scoring chance thrown out at home plate on a perfect relay throw. From there Vail settled down and proceeded to mow the Gators down for the next six innings. With Saint Patrick nursing a 1- 0 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, third baseman Chris Lehr gave the Shamrocks some breathing room. Lehr’s second hit of the game, this one a two-run double, gave Vail a pair of insurance runs to work with.

The Shamrocks are optimistic coming into the 2006 season. Dan Eberle has taken over as the Head Coach, following several years at Holy Cross High School. Eberle has a very talented senior class, led by University of Illinois bound catcher, Mike Giller. Seniors Mike Kotz, Steve Yopchick, Luke Vail, and Tim Mohs give the Shamrocks outstanding experience on the mound, while juniors Jack McKenna and Mike Bolger will provide pitching depth. Seniors Giller, Dan O’Donnell, Noah Reyes, and Kevin Cahill should provide plenty of offense, with support from juniors Mike Mockler, Chris Lehr, McKenna and Chris Meza.