The Lincoln-Way West Warriors will challenge the Downers Grove North Trojans at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Lincoln-Way West is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.6 runs per game this season.
On Monday, Lincoln-Way West didn't have quite enough to beat Bradley-Bourbonnais and fell 3-2.
Conor Essenburg
| 04/28/25 vs Bradley-Bourbonnais | 9 |
| 04/21/25 @ Homewood-Flossmoor | 11 |
| 04/14/25 @ Lincoln-Way East | 11 |
| 04/07/25 vs Stagg | 11 |
| 04/01/25 vs Troy | 10 |
| 03/26/25 @ Marist | 6 |
Conor Essenburg put in work no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out nine over four innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in six consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run.
In other batting news, Jackson Mansker was cooking despite his team's loss, going 1-for-3 with one home run.
Meanwhile, Downers Grove North came tearing into Tuesday's match with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 5.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They were the clear victors by a 9-1 margin over the Hilltoppers. The Trojans might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight games by six runs or more this season.
Colin Doyle spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on four hits and racked up six Ks.
On the hitting side, Brady Schallmoser was incredible, going 1-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. The team also got some help courtesy of JD Cumbee, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.
Lincoln-Way West's loss dropped their record down to 14-5. As for Downers Grove North, their win bumped their record up to 19-3.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lincoln-Way West has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .477. However, it's not like Downers Grove North struggles in that department as they've averaged .443. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lincoln-Way West beat Downers Grove North 5-0 in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Do the Warriors have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Trojans turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
