In a game heard on WEZC and at dewittdailynews.com, Luke Teschke was sharp over four shutout innings and helped turn a crucial double play as Monticello held off Oakwood 8-3 in non-conference high school boy's baseball action from Monticello Thursday afternoon.

The game ended very awkwardly. The Sages led 4-3 after five and a half innings. Monticello came to bat in the top of the sixth inning and doubled its run total highlighted by a two-run double by Logan Chupp. Chupp missed a home run by just a few feet if not for a wind that was blowing in from left field. 

After the third out of the bottom of the sixth inning, the game was called due to darkness.

In the top of the sixth inning, Oakwood rallied to cut a 4-0 deficit to 4-3. Sophomore Ike Young entered with runners at first and third. He walked the leadoff batter but induced an inning-ending, and ultimately game-sealing, double play. 

On a comebacker to him, he relayed the ball to Teschke covering the bag from second base and made a great return throw to first on a wide throw from Young to end the inning and the scoring threat. 

Teschke started on the mound and looked the sophomore that sent Monticello to a Sectional final last May. He struck out seven in four scoreless innings and only allowed one base runner on a hit in the second inning. 

Teschke laced an RBI triple in the third inning to put Monticello on the board.

Teschke was the ServPro of Piatt/DeWitt County Player of the Game.

The Sages move to 2-0 on the young season and Oakwood suffered its first loss.

Monticello travels to Westville Friday afternoon. Hear more Sages baseball on WEZC and at dewittdailynews.com next Wednesday when they host Champaign Central. First pitch is 4:30 pm.