Olson keys Prairie Ridge victory vs. Gators

Prairie Ridge’s Logan Olson fought between a love and hate for Friday’s high winds.

He loved that it carried a hit of his over the left-field fence for a three-run home run in the first inning. But he also hated that it disturbed his changeup and made pitching difficult.

In the end, the love won out as Olson and the No. 8 Wolves defeated visiting Crystal Lake South 8-5 in a Fox Valley crossover.

Despite having his worst outing of the season, Olson (5-0) still found a way to get by and went the distance against the Gators (12-6). He pitched all seven innings, allowed eight hits, five runs, five walks and struck out nine. It was his fourth complete game of the year.

“I try to finish every game I pitch,” said Olson, who also battled through a leg cramp in the last two innings. “I get mad when people take me out. Still, I didn’t think I was going to finish.”

Said Prairie Ridge coach Dave Haskins:“He battled. He’s a competitor.”

The Wolves assured Olson the chance to go the whole way when they scored twice in the bottom of the sixth and went ahead 8-4.

Kevin Kaczmarski (two runs), Will Mack (3-for-4, two runs, RBI) and Jesse Shukas (2-for-3, run) contributed offensively for Prairie Ridge (14-5).

Ian Gardeck and Tom Pauls each hit solo home runs for Crystal Lake South .