Upstart Walther reaches title game

Updated: June 3, 2011 7:29PM

PEORIA, Ill. – Walther Lutheran’s miraculous run to the Class 2A state semifinals has shocked many, particularly because the Broncos have upended one higher-seeded team after another, and by the narrowest of margins.

On Friday, Walther Lutheran proved that its run was no fluke, as the Broncos smashed DuQuoin 15-2 in five innings in a Class 2A state semifinal game at O’Brien Field.

“We have been the underdog since day one,” said junior shortstop Chris Stevens, who went 3-for-3 with three doubles and four runs scored. “We knew we would shock people. Our record did not reflect how good we are.”

In stark contrast to their last four playoff victories, the Broncos (18-14) put DuQuoin (18-13) away in the first inning with six runs and cruised the rest of the way. Walther Lutheran, which was once 5-11 midway through the season, will now play for the program’s first state championship against the winner of defending champion Teuotopolis and Prophetstown at O’Brien Field. Game time is scheduled at 5 p.m., but will likely be later.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” said junior catcher Josh Galvan, who drove in six runs. “We’re going to take it back to Walther.”

After winning five of their last six games by two runs or less, including consecutive one-run shockers, the Broncos hammered out 15 hits and produced two six-run innings. Walther Lutheran set the tone in the first inning when it sent 10 hitters to the plate, tallied four hits, and was the recipient of two walks and two hit batsmen. Galvan’s two-run double and Jon Lomnicki’s two-run single were the big blows in the first.

First-year coach Matt Tuomi said the big difference in his team’s offensive approach was actually the variation of pitching, compared to the top-level arms the Broncos have beaten in the playoffs.

“For the first time in two weeks we didn’t seen a guy throwing 90 mph, one of the premier pitchers in the state,” Tuomi said.

The offensive standouts were aplenty for the Broncos. Galvan went 3-for-3, which included two doubles and six RBI. Left fielder Jon Lomnicki had two hits and three RBI, while his brother Joe Lomnicki tallied two hits, two runs and two RBI.

Then there was starting pitcher Dan LoDolce, who did it all for the Broncos. At the plate, he went 3-for-4 with two runs and drove in one. On the mound, the right-hander silenced a DuQuoin team that was averaging 10 runs a game during their 13-game winning streak. In five innings, LoDolce allowed six hits, struck out one and walked none.

DuQuoin never threatened.

“We’re not surprised at all,” said Galvan. “We knew we knew we could do this.”

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