West Chicago proved they can win big on Tuesday (they won by ten) and on Thursday they proved they can win the close ones too. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 4-2 victory over the Bartlett Hawks. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Wildcats have posted since May 21, 2024.
Sam Zalak was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs. Those two stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
Liam Zbierski
| 04/24/25 vs Bartlett | 4 |
| 04/08/25 @ Glenbard South | 2 |
| 03/21/25 vs Wheaton North | 2 |
| 03/17/25 vs St. Francis | 2 |
| 04/22/25 vs Fenton | 1 |
In other batting news, Liam Zbierski was excellent, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with four stolen bases and one run. Those four stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
The victory (which was West Chicago's third in a row) raised their record to 4-12. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games. As for Bartlett, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 8-12-1 record this season.
West Chicago will look to defend their home field on Friday against Aurora Central Catholic at 4:30 p.m. As for Bartlett, they will head out to square off against Prospect at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. The Hawks' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Knights have averaged an impressive 7.1 runs per game this season.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
