Prospect earns state semifinal berth
Prospect is proving to be a tough out in the Lawler Summer Classic.
The Knights got a measure of vengeance against the team that dealt them a first-round loss in the double elimination tournament by beating St. Laurence 4-2 Tuesday afternoon at Benedictine University in Lisle.
The win puts the Knights (26-6-1) into the state semifinals of the tourney run by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Prospect will face Joliet Catholic at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Benedictine, following a 5 p.m. game featuring Nazareth and Prairie Ridge.
The winners will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at Benedictine to decide the high school summer league championship.
Against St. Laurence, Prospect's Pasquelli Atteo proved to be a dominant force on the mound. He allowed no earned runs on 6 hits with 4 strikeouts and 5 walks through 6⅔ innings to get the victory.
Lucas Karz continued his productive habits at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a run driven in. Ryan Molini drove in a pair of runs, and Trey Compton had 2 hits. Pat Donohue and Jake Cavaiani both had stolen bases.
Joliet Catholic hasn't yet lost, having beaten Prairie Ridge on Monday and then Crystal Lake South on Tuesday.
Prairie Ridge has followed a path similar to Prospect's. The Wolves lost their opener to Joliet Catholic before winning elimination games against Downers Grove South and Crystal Lake South.
Legion swings into action: American Legion baseball's postseason begins this week as the 1st Division tournament champion will be decided.
Wednesday's games will be hosted by the higher seeds, followed by action Thursday, Friday and Saturday hosted by Arlington Heights.
Arlington Heights and Northbrook both finished 11-3 in the regular-season standings, but Arlington Heights was named regular-season champ based on an edge in run differential.
Mt. Prospect was third at 8-5-1, followed by Elmwood Park (8-6) and NW Legion (7-6-1).
In addition to hosting the 1st Division tournament, Arlington will also host the upcoming state tournament.