Softball: Barrington explodes for 20 runs in win battle of MSL division leaders vs. Prospect
Barrington's state-ranked softball team put on an offensive clinic on Wednesday when the two leaders from the Mid-Suburban West and East divisions met at the Fillies' Fields of Dreams.
When it was over, Barrington (22-2-1, 11-0 in the MSL West) finished with a season-high 20 hits in a 20-0 four-inning triumph over visiting Prospect (18-6, 7-4) which entered the crossover game leading the MSL East.
The hitting parade included 8 doubles, and a grand slam run by sophomore Harlow Engel, whose grandfather Volkar Engel was in the stands celebrating his 80th birthday.
The former Barrington associate principal got to enjoy his granddaughter go 4-for-4 from the No. 2 spot, including the grand slam, 2 doubles and 5 RBI.
Fillies leadoff batter Mimi Cline went 3-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI while No. 3 hitter Reese Cullen was 3-for-3 with a walk and RBI.
Winning pitcher Katie Taraschewsky (19-2-1), who threw her 10th shutout this spring with a 3-hitter, Shaylee Hiser and Maddie Van Ryn were each 2-for-3. Nina Brebach was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
The Fillies started the game with seven consecutive hits and scored 10 runs in the first and third innings.
"The bats have been flying recently and hopefully they will keep flying," said Cline, a four-year varsity player. "I'm super proud of our team. We've been hitting the ball very hard and I couldn't ask for more out of this team right now."
Hall of Fame coach Perry Peterson, who moved to within seven wins of 1,000 for his career (973-217-1), was also proud of his team.
"The sky's the limit for this group of athletes," he said. "And it's a joy to work with them every day. They just keep working harder and harder every day and learning about the game."
Prospect coach Krystina Mackowiack said her team will learn from the setback.
"We talked about giving them (Barrington) a few extra bases and a few extra outs and those are things that are going to be a game-changer against an elite team like Barrington," she said.
Peterson stressed the Knights will bounce right back.
"They're amazing," he said. "Prospect has so much talent and every once in awhile in softball this happens. We have so much respect for Prospect and their talents. They have a lot of gifted athletes. They're having a really great season and one day does not reflect the whole season. I'm sure they'll bounce back in their next game and be terrific like they have been all season."
Sophomore Gabby Dilan went 2-for-3, including a base hit to center to lead off the game before Taraschewsky retired eight straight until Dilan's second hit with two outs in the third inning. Julia Nay followed with a single to center but Taraschewsky got the next batter on a grounder back to the mound.
"Barrington is a very good team and you've got to give them credit," Mackowiack added. "They are a very good hitting team and we had a big hole to dig out of.
"But we just have to have a short memory. We have a lot of heart. We brought energy and we always bring it whether we are down 20 or up 20. These girls don't give up. I'm proud of them for that. Up until the last out they were giving it their all."