Jake Rubin would have traded the pitching victory and the three-run double that made it possible for a clean seventh inning.
Either way, Rubin and Highland Park got what they really wanted.
Christian Biondi pitched six strong innings and had two RBI singles Tuesday before Rubin’s eventful eighth inning nailed down a 7-4 victory against No. 7 New Trier in Winnetka.
“(Biondi) pitched fantastic, we couldn’t ask for any better,” Rubin said. “I wish the win went to him, but at least we were able to come back.
“We beat them when we were younger, but we never beat them in high school. To come here and beat them senior year, it’s great.”
If not for an error to lead off the bottom of the seventh, Biondi might have been the winning pitcher and had the game-winning RBI.
He gave way to Rubin with a 4-2 lead, only to watch Christian Carr force extra innings with a two-run double for New Trier (5-3).
Two walks and a hit batsman filled the bases with Giants in the top of the eighth, and Rubin cleared them with a two-out double to right-center.
He found himself back in trouble in the bottom of the inning, walking the first two hitters. Then he reaffirmed Biondi’s faith with a fly out and two strikeouts for the Giants’ second victory in two days.
“I told my coach going into the seventh inning, if I get a runner on then bring in Jake,” Biondi said. “I knew he had what it takes. We have a lot of confidence in him.”
Player of the game:
Christian Biondi, 6 IP, 5 H, 7 SO, 1 BB; 2-for-2, 2 RBIs.
Key performers:
Highland Park — Jake Rubin, 3 RBIs. New Trier — Christian Carr, 2-for-4, 2 RBIs.
