Palatine gets combined shutout in season opener

Jack Hopper allowed 3 runs over 4 innings and struck out three to earn the win in Palatine's 4-0 win over Highland Park in nonconference baseball game on Wednesday.

Josh Stitt served as the set-up man and Thomas Soby closed out the game in the combined shutout by the Pirates' three pitchers in their season opener.

Palatine struck first in the second inning on a RBI single by Jack Betz for a 1-0 lead.

The Pirates added their final 3 runs in the fifth inning as TJ Skelnik and Jake Andersen each had RBI in the big inning.

Luke Stoffel and Matthew Helms each had 2 hits for Palatine, and Skelnick homered.