Hot-hitting lineup making life easy for D’Ambrosio, Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Left-hander Luke D’Ambrosio certainly hasn’t been desperate for run support this season. In two starts, the Springfield junior has been spoiled rotten by his offense.

The Cougars plated nine runs in D’Ambrosio’s shutout of Harriton last week. On Tuesday, the Cougars sent 17 hitters to the plate … in the first inning. Needless to say, D’Ambrosio is grateful the Springfield bats are locked in when he’s on the mound.

“Getting those runs makes it easier,” D’Ambrosio said. “I’m able to just pound the strike zone and not have to worry too much.”

Springfield crossed the plate 11 times in the first inning Tuesday en route to a 15-1 victory over Penncrest in four innings. D’Ambrosio went the distance, striking out four and allowing only one hit, an RBI triple off the bat of Lions cleanup hitter Kellen Davis in the first.

After a couple of rebuilding seasons (not to mention a lost 2020 season due to the pandemic), the Cougars have won three of their first five games. They face their biggest test Wednesday when Central League leader Strath Haven comes to Church Road Park.

“We have a really good team,” D’Ambrosio said. “We have a lot of confidence and we’re playing a lot better this year.”

Senior captain A.J. Grande was 3-for-3 with two RBIs and three runs scored.

“We’ve been swinging the bats really well all year,” Grande said. “We’re going to come in tomorrow with the same mentality.”

Springfield’s first seven batters reached base off Penncrest starter Mike Costello. Slugging catcher Joey Little and Ronnie DeLollis each delivered with two-run doubles. Grande had a pair of RBI singles in the opening frame.

“I missed out last year and I couldn’t wait to get out and play with these guys,” said Little, who went 2-for-3 with a double and four ribbies. “I think this lineup is just perfect for the way that we play. We can go up against any pitcher we face and our lineup gives us a chance to win ball games.”

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