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Cardinal Gibbons right-hander Ryan Staton did it again.
Two weeks ago, the big senior right-hander pitched a complete game win over #1 ranked Calvert Hall. Tuesday, he fired a four-hiter at #3 Archbishop Curley as Gibbons defeated another top ranked team, routing the Friars, 10-1.
The Gibbons offense, as it did in the win over Calvert Hall, really backed Staton, as the Crusaders got a three-run home run from catcher Andrew Parker, to key a big first inning.
"I had good stuff, and the guys hit well today," said Staton, who now has eight wins on the year. "We can beat anybody on any given day. Now we have to work hard to be sure we make the playoffs."
Staton needed only 85 pitches against coach Jack Thomas' squad. The Friars loss was only their second in the conference this year.
Center-fielder Blake Thompson was 4 for-4 at the plate for Gibbons, with a two-run homer, two doubles, three runs scored and three RBI.
"I was seeing the ball real well, and we played with a lot of confidence," said the speedy junior.
The Crusaders scored in every inning but the second on their way to another huge win over a top ranked team. Last Friday, they also gave #2 Archbishop Spalding a scare, before falling at home to the Cavaliers, 7-5.
"We need to play this way every time out," said coach Lee Schwarzenberg. "Lately, I'm just not sure which team will show up.
"When Staton is on the mound, we are capable of beating anyone."
Curley now turns its attention to #1 Calvert Hall, who it visits on Friday. The teams will also play again next week, at Curley, in a make-up of an earlier rainout. The Friars and Cardinals, along with Spalding, all remain in strong contention for the top-seed for the post-season tournament. Gibbons, despite its marquee wins, is a long way yet from the playoffs. It will look to improve those prospects when it entertains John Carroll on Friday.
