Baseball: St. Charles North, Barrington reach 4A final at McHenry

St. Charles North coach Todd Genke had a tough decision to make.

Huntley's Drew Borkowski collected a pair of solo homers in the second and fourth innings. Genke intentionally walked Borkowski in the fifth.

With a runner on first in the seventh, Genke decided to roll the dice.

His gamble worked.

North reliever Josh Kobylinski induced Borkowski to hit into a controversial double play. The runner was safe at second but was called out for interference and the game ended on a double play.

"I really didn't want to walk him (Borkowski) again," said Genke. "It was a judgment call. Koby threw a great pitch. He has been tremendous in that role all year. He comes in the game and shuts down the opponents."

Kobylinski savors his role.

"I knew he (Borkowski) was a little antsy at the plate," said the North senior. “My two-seamer was working and I was able to induce weak contact."

The result was a 6-5 win for the North Stars in Wednesday's McHenry Class 4A sectional semifinal.

The North Stars (23-12-2) will play Barrington for the sectional title at 11 a.m. Saturday.

In 2 1/3 innings of work, Kobylinski shut down the Red Raiders (30-8) on two singles.

The North Stars scored the winning run in the sixth on an RBI single by junior leadoff hitter Nicholas Grutek. Grutek also contributed a sacrifice fly.

"I wasn't playing much," said Grutek. “I just wanted to get on base and help us win. I don't want the seniors’ career to end.”

Genke is happy the move worked.

' “The season was 60% over when I made the move," said the North Stars coach. “He competes and does a good job of getting on base."

Julian Harmon collected two hits for the North Stars and drove in a run.

'We beat a great Huntley team," said Genke. “We battled through some adversity and played with a lot of heart.”

Borkowski powered the Raiders with two solo homers. Diego Herrera was 2-for-2 with two RBI.

"That last play was a judgment call," said Huntley coach Andy Jakubowski. “Our pitchers gave up seven walks and you can't beat a great team like St. Charles North walking that many people. We had a great season and made a great run. We truly played for each other."

Barrington 3, Hononegah 0: With 10 strikeouts, Will Renshaw shut out the Indians on three hits in the first Class 4A sectional semifinal Wednesday at McHenry.

The Broncos (26-12) advance to play St. Charles North for the McHenry sectional title at 11 a.m. Saturday.

"I was really mixing pitches well," said Renshaw. “My fastball and change-up were really working. Coach (Paul) Belo has been amazing. We wouldn't be where we are right now without him."

Belo was impressed with Renshaw.

"He was amazing today," said Belo. “He had all his pitches working."

Drew Whitney led the Broncos with two hits and an RBI while Zack Ostergaard delivered two hits.