Ward does it all for Hoffman Estates

Hoffman Estates senior Jimmy Ward had it all working Friday.

He ended up tossing a 4-hit complete game shutout for the visiting Hawks at Wheeling.

And he supplied all of the game’s scoring with a single swing of the bat, in the sixth inning. Ward’s grand slam put Hoffman Estates ahead for good in a 4-0 victory in Mid-Suburban League play.

Ward struck out eight without a walk, and Danny Alba doubled and tripled as Hoffman Estates (9-15, 6-6) won its fourth straight.

Schaumburg 3, Elk Grove 1: Max Paolicchi pitched Schaumburg past Elk Grove, allowing 5 hits as the Saxons (6-11) did all their scoring in the first inning. Paolicchi struck out eight.

The Grens dropped to 19-8 overall.

Rolling Meadows’ game with Fremd was postponed, but the Mustangs clinched at least a share of the MSL East title. The Mustangs (15-8-1, 12-1) have a 2.5-game lead and 3 league games left. Second-place Elk Grove (10-4 in the MSL) has 2 league games remaining.

Hersey 7, Barrington 0: Brendan Starr enjoyed a 3-for-3 day at the plate and Huskies starter Alex Sutrinaitis held Barrington to 3 hits as Hersey (10-15, 7-7) picked up a victory over MSL West champ Barrington (18-10, 12-3).

Palatine 5, Buffalo Grove 4: Neal Ori had an RBI single and Zach Serna connected for a 2-run homer in the sixth inning as Palatine scored 3 runs in the frame on the way to an MSL triumph.

Greg Grana provided a solo homer earlier for Palatine (16-13, 10-5), and Alex Piszczek earned a win after 3 relief innings.

Ryan Schumi had 2 hits and Nick Carpinelli drove in 2 for Buffalo Grove (7-12, 5-7).