After falling to Jacobs in last year’s regional final, area teams gave Huntley baseball a label:  vulnerable.

But Huntley’s dynamic start to the season has shown anything but vulnerability.  The lineup is hitting from top to bottom, base runners are taking advantage of the other’s team’s mistakes, and even the pitching, the biggest concern entering the 2013 season, has stepped up.

All this added up is a formula for success and Huntley is no exception.  After winning the first six games on their schedule, the Red Raiders took a commanding 9-1 victory over a threatening Hoffman Estates team.

“Hoffman Estates is a quality program and they beat us last year,” said Huntley coach Andy Jakubowski.  “We knew we had to play a very good ballgame to beat them and we were fortunate enough to come out on the plus side.”

Huntley began its offensive dominance early in the game.  Right fielder Mark Skonieczny, in only the second at-bat of the game, doubled to right to drive in center fielder Colin Lyman for the first run of the game.  The Red Raiders continued to rack up runs and maintained a respectable lead throughout the entirety of the game.

Senior Tommy Regan got the start on the mound and ended up being the winning pitcher.  Regan threw five innings and despite facing opposition from the Hoffman Estates lineup, only allowed one run.

“Tommy Regan battled out there,” said Jakubowski.  “He didn’t have his best stuff out there, but he competed and pitched to contact.”

Despite celebrating its early success, Huntley may have an injury to worry about.  After fouling a pitch off his leg, shortstop Matt Sullivan was forced to leave the game.  However, before leaving, Sullivan was able to crush a double over the left fielder’s head.  His ability to run to second may be a good sign for Huntley.

“We’ll get it checked out and see where he’s at tomorrow,” said Jakubowski.

Huntley’s next game will be Saturday against Grayslake Central.