Summer League playoffs begin winding down

Updated: July 28, 2011 11:58AM

Superb pitching and timely, situational hitting had Libertyville High School on the brink of the Elite Eight in the IHSBCA State Summer League Tournament.

But it all fell apart in the seventh inning of a regional final on July 21.

Playing on its home field, Libertyville led Prairie Ridge 4-1 heading into the seventh inning. But a series of tough circumstances allowed the Wolves to score four runs and escape with a 5-4 victory.

“I put some kids out there (to pitch in the seventh),” said Wildcats coach Jim Schurr. “They gave it their best effort, but it just wasn’t their day.”

Starter Kyle Cibrario was brilliant through six innings, but he received a no-decision.

“Kyle pitched a great game,” Schurr said.

Libertyville, the No. 7 seed, opened the tourney with a 9-3 victory over Mundelein. Pitcher Darwin Townsend picked up the victory. Kevin Calamari was the winning pitcher in the quarterfinals, when the Cats knocked off Crystal Lake South 12-7. Libertyville then survived a late rally by Lake Zurich to eliminate the Bears 12-8 in the semifinal round.

During all four contests, the Cats (16-8 overall) hit the ball with consistency and efficiency.

“We hit collectively well as a team,” Schurr said. “We put a lot of base hits together, we drew our share of walks and we were able to execute the little things.”

Schurr commended his team for playing the game the right way.

“What I like about the team is they’re very sound in the fundamental aspects of the game,” the coach said.

At Vernon Hills

Tyler Feece figures to be the staff ace in 2012. The Vernon Hills right-hander certainly brought his ‘A’ stuff to the IHSBCA tourney opener during a 10-4 victory over Crystal Lake Central.

Feece allowed four runs on eight hits in seven innings. He struck out nine while walking two. According to head coach Jay Czarnecki, Feece fired strikes on 75 percent of his pitches.

Standouts on offense in the win included Ethan McGrew (3-for-4, 2 doubles, 3 stolen bases, 3 RBI), Chris Marras (3-for-5, 2 doubles, RBI), MJ Crowley (2-for-3, RBI), Pat Crowley (3-for-3, double, stolen base) and Dylan McNamara (1-for-3, double, 2 RBI).

The Cougars’ season ended with a 10-0 loss to Prairie Ridge in the quarterfinal round.

At Stevenson

Stevenson, the No. 16 seed, opened the regional with a 10-0 win over Antioch.

The Patriots were then eliminated 10-0 by Prairie Ridge in the Round of 16.

At Carmel

The Corsairs dropped their only game in the state summer tournament, falling to Wauconda 14-12.

Mundelein Little League

Contributions throughout the lineup allowed the Mundelein Majors to play at least one more day in the State Little League Tournament at Butler Park in Libertyville.

Mundelein knocked off Evergreen Park 12-0 on Sunday to temporarily keep its Williamsport dream alive. The Majors were set to play Olney Monday night, needing a win to earn a shot against unbeaten Rock Falls on Tuesday; the Majors needed two wins over Rock Falls to advance.

In the rout of Evergreen Park, offensive leaders were Nick Stricker (2-for-3, double, 2 runs), Joey Sullivan (2-for-2, 3-run homer, 2 runs), Andrew Beres (2-for-2, run), Zach Zentz (1-for-1, 2 walks, 2 runs), Brett Parola (1-for-1, run), Anthony Baumgart (1-for-2, double, run), Chris Carlson (1-for-2, run), Justin Rayyan (1-for-1, run) and Will Michalski (1-for-4, run).

The shutout was shared on the mound by Michalski, Stricker and Parola. Head coach Bill Sullivan also praised the work of Albert Kurth, Luke Loding, Ryan Magee and Jack Olorvida.

“Our pitchers were on fire with throwing strikes,” Sullivan said. “And we played solid defense.”

Mundelein opened the state tourney with a 5-4 win over Evergreen Park. The Majors then lost to Rock Falls 4-2, forcing them into the consolation bracket.

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