Lincoln-Way West Explodes for 16 Runs in Five-Inning Shutout Over Stagg

The Lincoln-Way West varsity softball team delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday afternoon, erupting for 19 hits and 16 runs to overwhelm host Stagg 16-0 in a five-inning conference clash.

After two tense, scoreless innings to open the contest, the Warriors’ offense came alive in a massive way in the top of the third. Lincoln-Way West plated eight runs in the frame, aggressively breaking the game wide open. They kept their foot firmly on the gas in the ensuing innings, adding six runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth to comfortably trigger the mercy rule.

The Stagg pitching staff struggled to find an answer for the relentless Lincoln-Way West lineup. Grace DeYoung started in the circle for the Chargers, tossing 3.2 innings and allowing eight earned runs on 13 hits. In total, the Warriors amassed 19 hits and drew five walks without striking out a single time against the Stagg defense.

On the other side of the diamond, the Lincoln-Way West pitching staff was practically untouchable, combining to throw a two-hit shutout. They struck out nine Stagg batters while navigating around four walks.

Audra Zukowski and Holly Jirka provided the lone bright spots for the Chargers’ offense, each tallying a base hit, while Kristen Guerra showed patience at the plate to draw a pair of walks. Despite putting runners on base, Stagg was unable to string hits together to push a run across, ultimately stranding six baserunners in the loss.

Lincoln-Way West backed up their dominant pitching with flawless, error-free defense, cleanly securing the 16-0 victory in five frames.

Game Summary

Score by Quarters

(Note: Scored by Innings)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
| :— | :— | :— | :— | :— | :— | :— | :— | :— | :— | :— |
| Lincoln-Way West | 0 | 0 | 8 | 6 | 2 | – | – | 16 | 19 | 0 |
| Stagg | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 2 | 1 |

Scoring Drives

(Note: Scoring by Innings)

• 3rd Inning

  • Lincoln-Way West: Erupted for an 8-run frame to break a scoreless tie.

• 4th Inning

  • Lincoln-Way West: Plated 6 additional runs to extend the commanding lead.

• 5th Inning

  • Lincoln-Way West: Tacked on 2 final runs to secure the mercy-rule victory.