Lincoln-Way West Outlasts Stagg 13-6 in Offensive Slugfest

The Lincoln-Way West varsity baseball team continued to apply offensive pressure from start to finish, ultimately securing a 13-6 conference victory over host Stagg on Monday afternoon. In a game defined by heavy hitting and a combined 21 hits, the visitors used a massive seventh-inning surge to finally pull away.

Lincoln-Way West established a fast pace, jumping out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. They continued to tack on runs, plating two in the second and single runs in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth frames.

However, Stagg refused to go away quietly. The hosts answered Lincoln-Way West’s early scoring with a steady offensive output of their own, manufacturing two runs in the bottom of the second and adding three more in the third. Stagg pushed another run across in the fourth inning to narrow the deficit to 7-6, turning the game into a tense back-and-forth affair.

Jackson Mansker was the defining force for Lincoln-Way West’s offense. The senior put on a power display, finishing 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored, and a game-high four RBIs. Michael Pettit also provided a spark at the top of the lineup, finishing 2-for-5 with a triple and three runs scored.

The Lincoln-Way West lineup showcased exceptional plate discipline, drawing 11 walks as a team to constantly put runners on base. Jacob Howard highlighted that effort, drawing three walks and adding an RBI double, while Carson Paulas contributed a 2-for-3 performance with a run scored and an RBI. Luke Tyrakowski added an RBI triple to the extra-base parade.

While Stagg remained within striking distance heading into the final frame, trailing just 9-6, the Lincoln-Way West offense finally broke the game open in the top of the seventh. The visitors erupted for four decisive runs, effectively putting the contest out of reach at 13-6.

The Lincoln-Way West bullpen managed to weather the storm caused by the Stagg bats. After starter Kellen Schulte allowed five earned runs over the first three innings, the combination of Owen Chudzinski and Emmett Carlson stabilized the game. Carlson tossed the final three innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits while striking out four to close out the victory.

Despite outhitting Lincoln-Way West 11-10 and playing flawless defense without a single error, Stagg was ultimately undone by the 11 walks issued by their pitching staff and their inability to match Lincoln-Way West’s late offensive surge.

Game Summary

Score by Quarters

Scoring Drives

• 1st Inning: Lincoln-Way West takes immediate control with a three-run opening frame. (Lincoln-Way West 3, Stagg 0)

• 2nd Inning: The visitors add two runs, but Stagg answers with a pair of runs in the bottom half. (Lincoln-Way West 5, Stagg 2)

• 3rd Inning: Lincoln-Way West tacks on a run; Stagg mounts a three-run rally to pull within one. (Lincoln-Way West 6, Stagg 5)

• 4th Inning: Both teams exchange single runs as the offensive shootout continues. (Lincoln-Way West 7, Stagg 6)

• 5th Inning: Lincoln-Way West adds a crucial insurance run. (Lincoln-Way West 8, Stagg 6)

• 6th Inning: The visitors push another run across the plate. (Lincoln-Way West 9, Stagg 6)

• 7th Inning: Lincoln-Way West blows the game open with a massive four-run surge to secure the win. (Lincoln-Way West 13, Stagg 6)

Individual Statistics

Note: Individual statistics were only provided for Lincoln-Way West.

PITCHING:

• Lincoln-Way West: K. Schulte – 3.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K (67 pitches); O. Chudzinski – 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K (8 pitches); E. Carlson – 3.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K (65 pitches).

HITTING:

• Lincoln-Way West: J. Mansker: 2-4, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB; M. Pettit: 2-5, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 3 R; C. Paulas: 2-3, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB; J. Howard: 1-2, 1 2B, 1 R, 3 BB; L. Tyrakowski: 1-2, 1 3B, 1 R, 2 BB; P. Globke: 1-4.

BASERUNNING:

• Lincoln-Way West: J. Mansker (1 SB), C. Schoppe (1 SB), J. Howard (1 SB).