Research reveals that Svanson's perfect game is a Lake Zurich first

Usually, Chuck Gandolfi's players are the ones who have homework.

But recently the Lake Zurich coach had an assignment himself.

He's been sifting through the school record books, trying to find the last perfect game in the history of the baseball team.

“We've been doing our homework, and we couldn't find any others,” Gandolfi said.

Gandolfi was pushed into the history lesson when sophomore Matt Svanson pitched a perfect game over spring break against Calhoun High School in Hardin, which is near St. Louis.

It was Svanson's first varsity start.

“He threw 63 pitches over seven innings in a perfect game, and he threw 7 strikeouts,” Gandolfi said. “All the kids got into it. We really hadn't even seen Matt pitch very much and we needed to bring up some sophomores because we played so many games (over spring break), and we're watching him go on and on with this perfect game. It was pretty nice.

“His dad was there, the team was jumping on him after the game. We got it all on video. It was one of those great memories.”

Svanson has gotten 3 varsity starts and is now 2-1, which his other win coming in a shutout of Palatine last weekend.

Also last weekend, freshman Josh Anderson pitched a perfect game for Lake Zurich in a freshman game.

Right arm:

Sam Zoibi injured the right arm.

Make that the correct arm.

Zoibi, Lake Zurich's all-conference pitcher from a year ago, just returned from a four-week absence due to a hairline fracture in his left elbow.

Luckily for Lake Zurich, he's a righty and already been cleared to pitch again. His first start was last Friday against Grant, a win.

“Early in the season, Sam was playing first and he dove for a throw from the outfield on the relay and landed awkwardly,” Lake Zurich coach Chuck Gandolfi said. “It was tough to lose him because he's our top pitcher. But he looked very good against Grant. He still can't hit because his elbow isn't quite ready for that. But he's coming along really well.”

While Zoibi was out, Lake Zurich relied on some younger pitchers, who wouldn't have necessarily gotten the innings otherwise. Shane Nolan, Matt Svanson, Tyler Peterson and Richie Maegher have all stepped up.

Veteran voice:

The starting quarterback on Stevenson's state championship football team, Willie Bourbon is used to be counted on as a leader.

That's been a blessing for the baseball team, which has needed a veteran leader more than ever this year. Bourbon is the only player in the starting lineup that started last year.

“We're doing OK, but the growing pains are evident when you're that young and inexperienced,” Stevenson coach Paul Mazzuca said. “I have to keep reminding myself that besides Willie, our guys are only 15 games into their varsity careers. And our conference isn't forgiving.

“Willie's done a really nice job of being a leader. It's something we were really hoping for. He's guided this team, taking the younger guys under his wings. He's vocal and he'll show them how to go about their work.”

Bourbon, who typically plays third base, was moved to shortstop last year due to a plethora of injuries to teammates. Now, Bourbon is back at third and looking much more comfortable.

Bourbon will be playing baseball next year at Northwestern.