Challenge not kind to North

Williamsville North's Nick Fronczak tags out St. Joe's' Andrew Kowalski at second base during the Spartans' 10-2, five-inning loss to the Marauders as part of the Robert E. Rich Memorial Baseball Classic on Saturday at Dunn Tire Park. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Williamsville North won the Robert E. Rich Memorial Baseball Classic in 2007 but made a quiet exit this year.

The Spartans lost to St. Joe's, 10-2, in five innings in a first round game on Saturday at Dunn Tire Park.

"We didn't play well," said North coach Jerry Scarcella.

North trailed 7-0 in the second inning before Jake Eldridge walked, was moved to second on a single by Scott Herberger, to third on a passed ball, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Austin Benshadle.

The Spartans added a run in the fifth when Jordan Gust doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jeff Teplitsky. Garrett Crage went 2 for 2 and James Nowicki hit 1 for 3.

North beat West Seneca West, 14-3 , on Monday at North. The Spartans host Lancaster at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 and travel to Clarence at 4:45 p.m. on Friday, April 25.