'Crazy' win for Mundelein against Warren
Perhaps Mundelein leadoff hitter Maddie Zazas characterized it best.
She was describing the meeting of the top North Suburban Lake softball teams on Monday, a battle between a pair of 20-game winners - visiting Warren and her Mustangs.
"It was crazy,'' Zazas said. "It was easily the most insane game of the year."
Zazas played a key part in Mundelein's 3-2 win over the defending state champions from Gurnee. The shortstop snared a sizzling linener struck by Warren first baseman Rachele Belletini's to end it, thereby giving the Blue Devils their first loss this spring in Illinois.
And in the sixth inning, Zazas roped a double to center. In the process, she stopped her team from being no-hit by Warren. It was the lone hit of the game for Mundelein. Yes, Warren out-hit Mundelein 7-1 - yet lost the game.
The madness started in the Mundelein fourth inning. Losing pitcher Hannah Nommensen was working on a perfect game entering the frame. And suddenly, she couldn't find the strike zone anymore. Four consecutive Mustangs reached base via walks. And three of them scored after a collection of wild pitches and passed balls hurt the Warren cause.
"We emphasize aggressiveness on the bases,'' Zazas said. "So whether it was passed balls or us stealing home it was good. It's the first time in four years that we've beaten Warren."
Winning pitcher Nicole Parney scattered 7 hits and pitched a complete game.
Warren (20-2) had runners reach third base twice before the Devils struck for its 2 runs in the sixth.
Warren shortstop Shannon McKeon (3-for-4) led off the sixth with a ringing double. Third baseman Sabrina Trevino drove McKeon home with Warren's first run. An infield error kept the frame alive - and then the game turned wacky again.
Both Nicole Somppi and ninth-place hitter Amber Leneau were hit by pitches. Leneau earned an RBI for her trouble.
"What a great experience for our kids,'' said Mundelein coach Brett Wilhelm. "At 20-4, we are not bad team. We beat a really good team today. This is a phenomenal win for us."
Mundelein had a chance to add an insurance run following Zazas's double in the fifth. However, Warren reliever Sage Staranowicz left two runners in scoring position with some strong pitching.
Warren's 2-run sixth meant the heart of the Warren batting order was coming up against Parney. And Warren's Mollie Peter came through for her club with an infield single.
McKeon, who had not been retired all day, flew out deep to left. Trevino gave a ball a ride to deep center before it was snagged by Jordyn West. And Zazas came up with the sizzling liner by Belletini, ending the strange game.
"It was hit pretty hard,'' Zazas said. "But it was right at me."
Winner Parney struck out one and walked one.
Mundelein improved to 21-4 on the season.