Coach Rudy Shiller appreciates effort in Garnet Valley’s win over Penncrest

MIDDLETOWN — Of the 15 hits Garnet Valley produced during Monday’s 13-3 trouncing of Penncrest, Garnet Valley coach Rudy Shiller was most happy with the two that should have been outs.

Mark Zuppo and Brady Thompson smacked routine ground balls to the second baseman and shortstop, respectively, turning them into singles for the Jaguars, who hustled everything out and gave an old-school coach like Shiller something to smile about.

Zuppo’s little dribbler to second ignited a three-run rally. The speedy second baseman was the first of eight batters to step to the plate in the top of the third as the Jags took a 3-0 lead against Lions starter Michael Pagliaccetti.

“Running hard to first is what I’m really proud of,” Shiller said. “They busted their butts and that really set the example for everyone else. And it also put the pressure on (Penncrest) and you see how the game changes when you do that.”

Zuppo, who is committed Penn State-Berks, came around to score in the third. He finished 3-for-4 with an RBI double and three runs scored. The first six batters in the Jags’ lineup all reached base at least twice.

“Some of the older guys definitely set the example for what the standard is for our team. We also have mature sophomores and juniors,” Zuppo said. “Being able to show that’s what you’re supposed to do … because even when you hit a ball that you know is going to be an out, you run it out to first as hard as you can because something could happen. I think it’s a good example of how our team plays together. We grind everything out as a team.”

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Garnet Valley's Mark Zuppo and Chris Schaller combined for five hits, five runs scored and two RBIs during Monday's 13-3 victory at Penncrest. (Daily Times staff photo)

Garnet Valley’s Mark Zuppo and Chris Schaller combined for five hits, five runs scored and two RBIs during Monday’s 13-3 victory at Penncrest. (Daily Times staff photo)