The Edwardsville Tigers pounded out 18 hits, 10 for extra bases, in a 16-7 Southwestern Conference victory over the Belleville East Lancers.
"I told (Edwardsville) coach (Tim) Funkhouser I think I know what Gen. Custer felt like at the last stand there," said East coach Todd Blomberg. "They have some players. These guys are men. They really hit the ball well."
None better than senior centerfielder Dane Opel. The Missouri recruit and pro draft prospect was 5-for-5 with two home runs, a double and six RBIs.
Opel -- who also threw out a runner at the plate in the fourth inning -- is hitting .800 (8-for-10) after three games for the 3-0 Tigers.
"I had a pretty good day at the plate," said Opel, who took advantage of a strong wind blowing out to dead center. "If you go up there trying to pull the ball on a day like this, you're not going to do very well. You just have to think opposite way.
Another potential MU recruit is also mentioned:
Senior Gregg Culp, who missed much of last season with tendinitis, started and got the win for the Tigers. He went three innings, striking out seven and allowing one hit.■ BND.com marvels that Area preps batting averages soaring early, including Edwardsville senior Dane Opel (.714, two homers, seven RBIs)
■ MaxPreps.com lists MU recruit Eric Garcia among the Texas 4A Region IV District 25 statistical leaders so far in the season: .415 BA (3rd), 5 HR(1st), SLG% .906 (2nd), 31 RBI (1st)
■ PioneerLocal.com says "One of the top pitchers in the state [Illinois] this season is Morton senior Ryan Crowley. "
The hard-throwing left-hander was at his best on Saturday, throwing a five-inning no-hitter in an 11-0 win over Proviso East in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division opener for both teams.
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