Clinton built up just enough cushion to survive a late push from Bloomington Central Catholic, taking a 10-8 win in a game full of momentum swings.

Bloomington Central Catholic came out hot in the top of the 1st, getting on the board early with an RBI double from Crayton Schnierle and an RBI single from Colin Eickhorst to jump ahead 2-0. They kept applying pressure into the 4th, tying the game at 3 before Carter Landrus delivered a two-run single to give the Saints a 5-3 lead.

Clinton answered quickly and never let the game slip away. In the bottom of the 4th, Stone Stith and Josh Bass each drove in runs, with chaos on the bases and an error helping the Maroons take a 6-5 lead.

The momentum continued in the 5th when Ryan Pine crushed a two-run home run to extend the lead to 8-5. Clinton added more insurance in the 6th, highlighted by a Bass RBI double and another run scoring on a groundout to push it to 10-5.

Bloomington Central Catholic made things interesting in the 7th. A clutch bases-clearing double brought them within two at 10-8, but Clinton held firm to close it out.

Clinton’s offense was steady throughout, tallying 10 hits and capitalizing on key moments, while Bloomington Central Catholic matched with 9 hits of their own in the back-and-forth battle.

Top Performers

Clinton Varsity Maroons:

• Ryan Pine: 2-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
• Josh Bass: 3-4, 2 RBI, 2B
• Mitchell Cornwell: 2-3, RBI, 2 R
• Jack Manning: 2 R

Bloomington Central Catholic Varsity Saints:

• Carter Landrus: 2-5, 2 RBI
• Conner Rave: 2-3, 2 R
• Colin Eickhorst: 1-3, RBI, R
• Lucas Smeltzer: 1-2, RBI, R

The Normal West Wildcats fell to Champaign Central Maroons 8-4 on Wednesday at Normal West H.S.

Normal West was the first to get on the board in the second, when an error scored one run.
In the top of the third inning, Champaign Central went back into the lead after Pipkins singled to center field, McDaniel singled to left field, and Cole singled to left field, each scoring one run, making the score 4-2 Maroons.

The Wildcats tied the game in the bottom of the sixth thanks to a single by junior Riley Larkin and an error.
The Maroons jumped into the lead in the top of the eighth when Pipkins singled, scoring one run, Timmons doubled, scoring two runs, and Bralts singled, scoring one run.

Bralts earned the win in relief for Champaign Central. The righty gave up one hit and zero runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out six and walking one. Sophomore Mayson Aslinger took the loss for the Wildcats. The pitcher went two and two-thirds innings, giving up five runs on five hits, striking out four, and walking one. Pomis started the game for Normal West. The pitcher gave up seven hits and three runs over five and one-third innings, striking out five and walking four. Pipkins stepped on the bump first for Central. The starting pitcher surrendered six hits and four runs (two earned) over five and one-third innings, striking out two and walking two.

Larkin went 2-for-3 at the plate and led the team with two runs batted in. Larkin stole two bases. Normal West was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. McCully made the most plays with nine.
Champaign Central tallied 12 hits in the game. Leadoff hitter Pipkins led the Maroons with three hits in four at-bats. Timmons, McDaniel, and Pipkins each drove in two runs for Champaign Central. Bralts collected two hits for Central in five at-bats. 

Normal West will travel to Champaign Central for its next game on Friday.
 

Normal Community wasted no time taking control and never looked back, cruising to a dominant 10-0 win over Centennial.

The Ironmen got the offense going early in the third inning, capitalizing on mistakes and timely hitting. Gavin Swartz reached on an error that brought in two runs, and Max Heineman followed with an RBI single to extend the lead. Lucas Beaty kept things rolling with an RBI knock later in the inning as Normal Community built a comfortable cushion.

In the fourth, the Ironmen poured it on. Heineman added another RBI single, while Beckett Weber worked a walk that helped spark a heads-up sequence on the bases, leading to another run crossing the plate. Swartz delivered one of the biggest swings of the day, lining a single to center that brought in two runs and turned into extra bases after an error, pushing the lead even further out of reach.

Normal Community capped the scoring in the fifth when Owen Knox lifted a sacrifice fly to center, plating another run and sealing the run-rule victory.

From start to finish, the Ironmen controlled the game on both sides, using aggressive baserunning, clutch hitting, and capitalizing on Centennial miscues to secure the shutout win.

Top Performers:

• Gavin Swartz: RBI single, reached on error (2 RBIs)
• Max Heineman: 2 RBI singles
• Lucas Beaty: RBI single
• Owen Knox: Sacrifice fly RBI

Maroa-Forsyth came out hot, but Springfield flipped the game quickly and never gave control back in a 13-6 win.

The Trojans wasted no time jumping ahead in the first inning. RBI singles from Gunnar Larner and Callan Rykhus helped Maroa-Forsyth build an early 3-0 lead, putting immediate pressure on Springfield.

That lead didn’t last long.

Springfield answered in the bottom half of the first with a big response, highlighted by a two-run single from Snyder and aggressive baserunning that helped tie the game at 3-3 and quickly push ahead 4-3.

From there, the Senators’ offense kept rolling. In the third inning, RBI singles from Snyder and Marks extended the lead, and the fourth inning saw Springfield take full control capitalizing on defensive miscues and another RBI knock from Jenkins to make it 9-3.

Maroa-Forsyth showed some life in the fifth when Coby Lane ripped an RBI triple to cut into the deficit, but Springfield responded again in the bottom half. A triple from Davison and RBI singles from Watts and Jenkins pushed the lead to 12-4.

Springfield added another highlight in the sixth when J. Scheffler launched a solo home run to right, extending the lead to 13-4.

The Trojans were able to scratch across a couple late runs in the seventh, including a run scored on a fielder’s choice by Cooper Wise and a bases-loaded walk, but the deficit proved too much to overcome.

Top Players:

Springfield

• Snyder: Multiple hits, 3+ RBI
• Jenkins: 2 H, multiple RBI
• Watts: RBI hits in key moments
• Davison: Triple, run scored
• J. Scheffler: Solo home run

Maroa-Forsyth

• Callan Rykhus: 2 RBI single
• Gunnar Larner: RBI, reached multiple times
• Coby Lane: RBI triple
• Cooper Wise: RBI (fielder’s choice)

Monticello came out swinging and never looked back, putting together a dominant 10-0 win over Salt Fork behind a big early offensive surge and strong pitching.

The Sages wasted no time setting the tone in the first inning. After Dawson Gaitros crossed the plate on a Cole Basak single, Monticello kept the pressure on with timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. Jake Motsegood and Heyden Romano each delivered RBI singles, helping the Sages jump out to a quick 4-0 lead.

The offense stayed hot in the second inning, where Monticello broke things open. Basak ripped a double to drive in another run, followed by an RBI single from Koyie Williams and a two-run double from Motsegood to stretch the lead to 7-0.

Monticello continued to capitalize on opportunities in the fourth, adding two more runs thanks to a Salt Fork error and a fielder’s choice that brought in another score. In the fifth, Zeke Young capped off the performance with an RBI single to make it 10-0.

On the mound, Jax Bailey was in control, tossing four shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out three. The defense backed him up all game, keeping Salt Fork from generating any offensive momentum.

Salt Fork struggled to get anything going offensively, managing just one hit in the game.

Top Players:

Monticello

• Cole Basak: 2 H, 3 RBI, multiple extra-base hits
• Jake Motsegood: 2 H, 2 RBI, double
• Zeke Young: 2 H, RBI
• Koyie Williams: 2 H, RBI
• Jax Bailey: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 K

The Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers delivered an unforgettable comeback, rallying past Heyworth for a thrilling 11-9 victory.

Mt. Pulaski wasted no time getting on the board in the bottom of the first inning. Behind timely hitting from Jaeden Jackson and Tyler Cross, the Hilltoppers jumped out to an early 2-1 lead. Jackson drove in a run with a sharp single, while Cross added another RBI knock to give Mt. Pulaski early momentum.

However, Heyworth quickly flipped the script in the middle innings. A big second inning and continued pressure at the plate allowed Heyworth to surge ahead, capitalizing on extra-base hits and defensive miscues. By the time the fifth inning came to a close, the Hilltoppers found themselves trailing 9-4 and searching for answers.

That’s when the game — and momentum — came to a halt.

The Hilltoppers were able to manage 6 Runs in the 5th Inning due to timely hitting and aggressive base running. A rain delay between the fifth and sixth innings paused play and gave Mt. Pulaski a chance to regroup. What followed was a completely different team taking the field.

Coming out of the delay, the Hilltoppers ignited.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Mt. Pulaski exploded for a massive rally that completely changed the game. Key hits from Caden Wyler, Jaeden Jackson, and Luke Martin sparked the surge, while aggressive baserunning and defensive pressure forced Heyworth into critical mistakes. The Hilltoppers plated multiple runs in the inning, quickly erasing the deficit and taking a stunning 11-9 lead.

Wyler delivered one of the biggest moments of the night with a clutch RBI hit, while Jackson continued his strong performance at the plate. Martin added to the offensive push, finishing with multiple hits and contributing both on the mound and at the plate.

On the pitching side, Mt. Pulaski showed resilience after a tough start. Luke Martin opened the game before Preston Cowan came in to settle things down and earn the win. Cowan provided key innings in relief, limiting Heyworth’s offense long enough for the Hilltoppers’ bats to come alive. Carter Clark also contributed out of the bullpen, helping close the door late.

Offensively, Mt. Pulaski tallied 11 runs on 8 hits, with contributions spread throughout the lineup. Jackson led the charge with multiple hits and RBIs, while Cowan, Martin, Wyler, and Cross all played key roles in the comeback effort.

With the win, Mt. Pulaski improves to 9-5. They will take on the Illini Bluffs Tigers in Glasford on Thursday. 

Heyworth falls to 5-8-1 and plays host to Lexington on Wednesday. 
 

In a game heard on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Thea Key's leadoff home run was all Madison Highland needed as she went the distance in circle, leading Monticello to a 6-0 win over Westville in non-conference high school softball action on Tuesday in Monticello.

Key blasted a home run to left field in the bottom of the first inning. 

Highland took from there. The junior struck out four and permitted five hits to zero walks over seven shutout frames.

Key reached base via walks in her next three plate appearances. Cassidee Stoffel was 2-for-3 with an RBI double. Highland, Sadie Walsh, and Ali Weidner added RBI hits in a four-run fifth inning that broke the game open for Monticello.

Highland was the State Bank of Bement player of the game.

Monticello visits Bloomington Central Catholic on Thursday.

The Monticello Lady Sages rallied in the 10th inning to beat the Pontiac Indians 5-4 in Illini Prairie Conference softball action on Monday afternoon in Monticello. 

After three scoreless innings, Payton Rogers doubled in the top of the fourth for the Indians, which scored India Mattingly. Izzy Hinz then connected on a two-out double to bring home Rogers and make it 2-0. 

Monticello scored two of their own, highlighted by an Ali Weidner single that scored Isabella Beery to even the score in the bottom of the sixth. 

Both teams tacked on two more runs to tie the game at 4-4 and send it to extra innings in the seventh. After a scoreless eighth and ninth, Reese Stiger walked and stole second and was brought home by a line drive from Annie Robinson for the win. 

Beery led the Sages offensively, going 1-for-3 with a run scored and two RBIs. Meadow Miller was 2-for-3, and Sadie Walsh was 2-for-5 with a run scored.

Cassidee Stoffel twirled seven innings and struck out three. She allowed eight hits and four runs. Madison Highland pitched two shutout innings of relief to earn the save, striking out three and allowing three hits. 

Alexis Lenger was 2-for-6 with a run scored for Pontiac. Courtney Krause was 3-for-5 and came home once. Rogers finished 3-for-4 on the day with a run scored and two RBIs. 

With the win, Monticello improves to 15-5 while Pontiac falls to 8-7. 

The Lady Sages are at home on Tuesday when they host Westville. 
 

In a game heard on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Monticello survived a late rally by Pontiac and held on for a 3-2 win in Illini Prairie Conference high school baseball action on Monday in Monticello.

Cole Basak hit a two-run home run in the third inning to put the Sages in front 2-0. 

Koyie Williams followed with a triple, but with nobody out, the rest of the lineup could not bring him in - one of several opportunities to score Monticello missed on throughout the game.

An awkward play in the fourth inning scored the ultimate game-winner for the Sages. With Grant Kiger at second base, Colton Shubert hit a groundball down the third baseline. Thinking it was foul, Shubert slowed up going to first base, but an errant throw allowed him to make it safely. Kiger, running on the play, turned and went home. He, too, slowed up as he got to the plate, but he slid under the tag on the relay throw home and made it 3-0.

The Indians consistently were able to manufacture base runners but failed to cash in until late, when they scored two in the sixth inning to make it 3-2.

In the top of the seventh inning, Pontiac loaded the bases with one out, but Aden Brummel was called out on a very questionable check-swing ruling, then a weak comebacker to Forrest Rawdin ended the threat and the game.

Heyden Romano returned from a brief finger injury to work four shutout innings - including getting the final nine batters he faced.

Williams finished a homer shy of the cycle, going 3-for-4 with a double and triple - continuing a very hot stretch for the senior who is coming off Tommy John surgery last spring.

Monticello won its 19th in a row to start the season and is 5-0 in the Illini Prairie Conference. They are back in action on Wednesday when they host Salt Fork.

In a game heard on WHOW and all its digital platforms, the Decatur St. Teresa Bulldogs took advantage of defensive miscues from Clinton, beating the Maroons 7-4 in non-conference high school softball action on Monday night in Clinton. 

Savannah Chandler kicked off the game for St. T, hitting a line drive and reaching on an error from Clinton Pitcher Aliviyah Haynes. A bunt from Avery Harrison was grabbed by Catcher Hadley Humble, but a miscue from Shortstop Avery Smith allowed Harrison to advance to second and Chandler to third. From there, Riley Boyer bunted into a fielder's choice, allowing Chandler and Harrison to each score on missed throws to make it 2-0. 

Clinton answered back with a leadoff single from Avery Smith, who scored on a Laney Brewer line drive and an error from the Bulldogs' third baseman. St. T managed a 1-2-3 groundout to retire Jaelynn Thomas, who was hit by a pitch, and the hitter Campbell Bass. Hadley Humble reached on an error and ultimately scored on a wild pitch. 

In the top of the second, Chandler was walked in by Emery Krieger to take the lead back 3-2. They added another four runs in the third inning, highlighted by singles from Chandler and Krieger to make it 7-2 by the end of the inning. 

Clinton got one back in a sacrifice groundout from Brewer that scored Thomas in the third, and added another run in the bottom of the fourth when Riley Fentress scored from third on a dropped third strike. 

Thomas led the Maroons with a 2-for-3 day at the plate, scoring once. Smith went 1-for-4 and scored, while Fentress also scored and went 1-for-2. 

Clinton was bright in circle, totally 16 strikeouts between its two pitchers. Haynes got the start and retired seven batters, allowing six runs on seven hits and walking three. Campbell Bass came in for four shutout innings of relief, striking out nine batters and walking just one. 

St. Teresa was strong on the offensive end, led by Krieger's 3-for-3 outing with 3 RBIs. Chandler was 2-for-4 and plated two runs and batted in one. Harrison went 1-for-3 with a pair of runs, and Sara Maulberger posted a 1-for-3 day with a run scored. 

Harrison went the distance in circle for the Bulldogs. She struck out four and walked one, allowing four runs on four hits. 

With the loss, Clinton 6-13 while St. Teresa improves to 7-14. 

The Lady Maroons are back at it on Friday when they travel to Shelbyville to take on the Lady Rams.

Hear the next Clinton Maroons Sports broadcast when the baseball team plays host to the Meridian Hawks on Monday. First pitch is at 4:30 PM. Hear the Central Illinois Conference Action on WHOW and all its digital platforms.

In a game heard on WHOW and all its digital platforms, the Clinton Maroons defeated the Central A&M Raiders 12-2 in a five-inning Central Illinois Conference run-rule victory on Friday night in Clinton. 

The Maroons struck first in the bottom half of the first. Leadoff and second spot hitters Jack Manning and Josh Bass both singled, and were both brought home by a Jaxon Reynolds RBI Double two batters later to take a 2-0 lead. 

In the second, Cole Fentress advanced on a walk, stole second and third, and came home on an error from the Raiders catcher for the lone run of the inning to build the lead to 3-0. 

Central A&M's Zachary Snow was hit by a pitch in the top of the third, followed by a Kadyn Higgins single. A walk of Ty Burgener loaded the bases, and Logan Kelly hit a single to score Snow and Higgins and make it 3-2. 

In the bottom half of the inning, the Maroons rallied to add three more runs, highlighted by Reynolds second double of the day and a Ryan Pine RBI single. They exploded in the following inning with five more runs to make it 11-2, thanks to Stone Stith's RBI double that scored Brock Wilson and Cole Fentress's RBI single, which scored Mitchell Cornwell.

Reynolds posted a perfect 3-for-3 outing with two RBIs and two runs scored. Stith was 3-for-4 with a run scored and a pair of RBIs. Pine was 1-for-3 but scored twice and batted one in. Fentress added a 1-for-2 performance with a pair of runs and two RBIs. 

On the mound, Jack Manning tossed four innings of two-run ball, allowing two hits while striking out six and walking two. Cooper Massey earned the save with just a single inning pitched, allowing one hit.
 

Zachary Snow was also perfect, going 1-for-1 with a run scored. Kadyn Higgins was 1-for-3 with a run scored, and Logan Kelly went 1-for-2. 

Marshall Minnot started for Central A&M, pitching three innings and allowing six runs on seven hits. He struck out three. Parker Elliot came in for an inning of relief, also allowing six runs on just four hits and walking four.  

With the win, Clinton improves to 10-7 and 3-1 in the Central Illinois Conference, while Central A&M falls to 4-7 and 0-3 in the CIC. 

The Maroons take on Riverton at home on Saturday at 10 AM. 

The Mt. Pulaski Varsity Hilltoppers used a huge early surge and relentless pressure on the base paths to defeat the 2026 Midwest Central Varsity Raiders 7–1.

Mt. Pulaski wasted no time getting on the board in the bottom of the 1st. Chaos on the bases and aggressive running quickly turned into runs, as Luke Martin and Tyler Cross both came around to score during a sequence fueled by wild pitches and a dropped third strike. Jaeden Jackson added a key RBI single as the Hilltoppers jumped out to an early 3–0 lead.

The pressure didn’t stop there. In the 3rd inning, Mt. Pulaski continued to capitalize on free passes. A series of walks pushed runs across in waves, extending the lead as the Hilltoppers built a commanding 7–0 advantage. The lineup stayed patient, and the Raiders struggled to find answers on the mound as traffic on the bases never stopped.

Midwest Central finally broke through in the 4th. After a balk moved runners into scoring position, Dalton Johnson drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to center, bringing in Ryan Terrill to make it 7–1. That would be the Raiders’ only run of the game, as Mt. Pulaski’s early damage proved too large to overcome.

From start to finish, the Hilltoppers controlled the tempo with patience at the plate and aggressive baserunning, securing a dominant 7–1 win.

Top Performers

Mt. Pulaski Varsity Hilltoppers – Controlled the game early with disciplined at-bats and strong baserunning pressure that created multiple scoring opportunities.
Luke Martin (Mt. Pulaski) – Sparked the early offense with key baserunning and scored in the opening inning.
Jaeden Jackson (Mt. Pulaski) – Delivered an important RBI single in the 1st that helped jumpstart the scoring surge.

The Redskins wasted no time taking control and never let go, powering past Argenta-Oreana Varsity Bombers 7–2 behind a dominant early offensive outburst.

The game opened with the Redskins putting immediate pressure on Argenta-Oreana. In the bottom of the 1st, they struck for multiple runs, highlighted by a double from Aeralyn Thrasher, as the Bombers defense struggled to contain the damage. The inning quickly spiraled as aggressive baserunning and additional opportunities extended the lead before Argenta-Oreana could settle in.

The momentum carried into the 2nd inning, where the Redskins continued to capitalize on mistakes. Walks, wild pitches, and defensive errors helped push the lead to 7–0 before the middle innings, giving the Redskins full control of the game early.

Argenta-Oreana showed life in the 6th when Kaylynn Madrigal delivered an RBI single to bring home Sophia Wicklund. In the 7th, Wicklund added another hit and helped generate a second run after an error, but the rally came too late to close the gap.

Despite the late push from the Bombers, the Redskins’ early offensive explosion proved too much to overcome as they secured a 7–2 victory.

Top Performers

Aeralyn Thrasher (Redskins) – Sparked the early offensive surge and contributed key hits in the opening innings.
Harmony Ray (Redskins) – Played a major role in the early scoring with a double and strong baserunning pressure.
Kaylynn Madrigal (Argenta-Oreana) – Provided the key RBI hit that helped lead the Bombers’ late offense.

If you like offense, this one had plenty of it.

Monticello and St. Thomas More went back-and-forth all night, combining for 24 runs, but it was the Sages who delivered the final push in a 13-11 win.

Monticello struck first in the opening inning with an RBI single from Jax Bailey, but St. Thomas More answered right away and kept applying pressure. The Sages built an early cushion with strong production in the second and third innings, highlighted by RBI hits from Zeke Young, Cole Basak, and a two-run single from Dawson Gaitros to make it 7-2.

But the Sabers had a response of their own.

St. Thomas More erupted in the fourth inning, putting together a huge rally fueled by a three-run double from Ashton Hill and additional RBIs from Wil Karduck and Henry Karduck to take a 9-8 lead. They kept the momentum going into the fifth, with Michael Roesel and Brodie Grey delivering key hits to extend the lead to 11-10.

Monticello didn’t fold.

After tying the game in the fifth, the Sages came through with the decisive inning in the sixth. Grant Kiger ignited the rally with a game-tying triple, Matthais Rudolph followed with an RBI double, and Cole Basak added an RBI single to push Monticello ahead 13-11.

From there, the Sages held on, closing out the high-scoring contest and securing the win.

Monticello’s ability to answer every punch and deliver in the clutch proved to be the difference in a game full of momentum swings.

Top Performers

Monticello Varsity Sages

• Cole Basak: Multiple RBI singles, key insurance run late
• Matthais Rudolph: Double, multiple hits, clutch RBI
• Grant Kiger: Game-tying triple, sacrifice fly
• Dawson Gaitros: 2-RBI single, strong offensive night
• Zeke Young: RBI single, run scored

St. Thomas More Varsity Sabers

• Ashton Hill: 3-run double, multiple RBIs
• Wil Karduck: RBI single, run scored
• Michael Roesel: RBI single, multiple runs scored
• Brodie Grey: RBI single during late rally
• Ben Ruffatto: RBI single, active at the plate

In a game packed with momentum swings, Lincoln Varsity Railsplitters stormed back late and walked it off for an 11-10 win over Champaign Central.

Champaign Central came out firing, getting on the board in the first with a leadoff home run from Pipkins. They broke things open in the fourth inning, highlighted by a bases-clearing triple from Timmons that pushed the lead to 7-3 and gave Central full control.

But Lincoln chipped away.

The Railsplitters answered in the third with a big two-run single from Kane Komnick, then continued to close the gap in the fifth. Cooper Koehler and Bryce Vlahovich delivered key RBI singles, and Chase March tied the game at 7-7 with a clutch hit to center.

Lincoln grabbed the lead in the sixth when Owen Comstock came through with an RBI single, putting the Railsplitters up 8-7.

Still, Champaign Central wasn’t done.

In the top of the seventh, Central surged back ahead behind a two-run single from Timmons and another run-scoring play to make it 10-8. With their backs against the wall, Lincoln delivered one final rally.

In the bottom of the seventh, Grady Rutledge came through with a two-run single to tie the game at 10-10. Moments later, Owen Comstock stepped up again and delivered the biggest hit of the night—a walk-off RBI single to center field that scored Austin Lucas and completed the comeback in dramatic fashion.

A game that looked in hand for Champaign Central turned into a resilient, never-quit performance from Lincoln, who had the final answer when it mattered most.

Top Performers

Lincoln Varsity Railsplitters

• Owen Comstock: Walk-off RBI single, multiple RBI, key late-game hero
• Grady Rutledge: Game-tying 2-RBI single in the 7th
• Bryce Vlahovich: RBI single, run scored
• Cooper Koehler: RBI single, run scored
• Chase March: Game-tying RBI earlier in comeback

Champaign Central

• Timmons: Bases-clearing triple, 4+ RBI, 2-run single in 7th
• Pipkins: Leadoff home run
• B McDaniel: RBI single
• Krone: RBI single

Monticello wasted no time taking control and never let up, erupting offensively in a 15-1 rout of St. Thomas More.

The Sages set the tone early in the first inning as Sadie Walsh and Madison Highland each drove in runs to give Monticello a quick 2-0 lead. St. Thomas More answered with a solo home run from Schweighart, but that would be the only spark for the Sabers all game.

From there, it was all Monticello.

The Sages broke things open in the third inning with a massive rally fueled by extra-base hits. Madison Highland, Ali Weidner, and Reese Stiger all delivered doubles, while Isabella Beery added an RBI single as Monticello piled on runs and stretched the lead out of reach.

They didn’t slow down in the fourth or fifth innings. Beery and Weidner continued to produce at the plate, while Sadie Walsh and Cassidee Stoffel added more RBIs in a relentless offensive attack. In the fifth, Weidner capped off her standout day with a two-run double, pushing the total to 15 runs and sealing the blowout.

Monticello’s lineup consistently found barrels, racking up hits all over the field and taking advantage of opportunities, while their defense held St. Thomas More in check after the opening inning.

Top Performers

Monticello Varsity Sages

• Ali Weidner: Multiple doubles, 3+ RBI, dominant at the plate
• Madison Highland: Double, RBI single, multiple runs driven in
• Sadie Walsh: Double, RBI, multiple runs scored
• Isabella Beery: Double, RBI single, strong all-around game
• Reese Stiger: RBI double

St. Thomas More

• Schweighart: Solo home run

What looked like a comfortable win turned into a back-and-forth thriller, but Heyworth Varsity Hornets had the final say, walking off Warrensburg-Latham 9-8 in the bottom of the 8th inning.

Heyworth came out hot early, putting up four runs in the first inning behind RBI swings from Karissa Cook, Haley Rogers, and Grace Streenz. They continued to apply pressure in the fourth and fifth innings, building what became an 8-4 lead thanks to contributions from Streenz, Alia Riddle, Natalie Kopp, and a sacrifice fly from Leenah Hunt.

Warrensburg-Latham didn’t go quietly.

The Cardinals chipped away in the fourth with a two-run blast from Kelsey Oakley, then took advantage of defensive miscues in the fifth to tighten the game. Still trailing late, they erupted in the top of the 7th inning. Bella Ground sparked the rally with a two-run single, followed by Audree Denton and Elliana Park each delivering RBI knocks to tie the game at 8-8 and force extras.

With momentum seemingly on the Cardinals’ side, Heyworth stayed composed.

In the bottom of the 8th, the Hornets put together the final push. Lauryn Streenz reached, and Leenah Hunt stepped up in the clutch, lining a single to left field that brought home Riley Bardon for the game-winning run, sealing the dramatic 9-8 victory.

Heyworth’s early offense set the tone, but it was their resilience after surrendering the late lead that defined the win, answering immediately when it mattered most.

Top Performers

Heyworth Varsity Hornets

• Leenah Hunt: Walk-off RBI single, sacrifice fly
• Natalie Kopp: RBI single, multiple runs scored, active on the bases
• Grace Streenz: RBI groundout, RBI single
• Haley Rogers: RBI single, run scored
• Karissa Cook: RBI single

Warrensburg-Latham Varsity Cardinals

• Bella Ground: 2 RBI single to spark 7th inning rally
• Audree Denton: RBI single, key late-game production
• Elliana Park: Game-tying RBI single
• Kelsey Oakley: 2-run home run

Monticello delivered a dominant all-around performance, using a huge early offensive surge to power past Clinton in an 11-1 victory.

After a quiet top of the first from Clinton, Monticello wasted no time taking control in the bottom half. Taking advantage of timely hitting and defensive miscues, Monticello erupted for a big inning that quickly created separation on the scoreboard. The early offensive explosion proved to be more than enough, as Monticello continued to apply pressure throughout the game.

Monticello finished with 11 runs on 11 hits, showcasing both consistency and depth throughout the lineup. Sadie Walsh led the charge with a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and multiple runs scored. Madison Highland was equally impactful, collecting two hits and driving in a pair while also contributing in the circle.

Ali Weidner added a strong day at the plate with two hits, while Annie Robinson chipped in with a hit and an RBI. Reese Stiger and Thea Key also contributed offensively, with Key scoring twice and helping set the tone at the top of the lineup.

Clinton, meanwhile, struggled to generate sustained offense against Monticello’s pitching duo. The team managed just three hits on the day, with Humble accounting for the lone RBI. Fentress delivered one of the few bright spots offensively, recording a hit and driving in a run, while Nichols added another base hit.

Despite showing some early promise—stringing together extra-base hits in the first inning to plate their only run—Clinton was unable to build momentum. Monticello’s defense tightened up after that initial frame, shutting down any potential rallies.

In the circle, Cassidee Stoffel earned the win for Monticello, striking out eight over three innings while allowing just two hits and one run. Highland came on in relief and was equally effective, tossing two scoreless innings and striking out three to secure the victory.

Clinton’s Haynes battled through four innings but ran into trouble against Monticello’s aggressive lineup. The right-hander allowed 11 runs (five earned) on 10 hits while working through constant traffic on the bases.

Defensively, errors proved costly for Clinton, extending innings and allowing Monticello to capitalize in key moments. Monticello, on the other hand, played a cleaner game overall, backing up its pitching with solid defense.

With the win, Monticello showcased its ability to combine timely hitting, disciplined pitching, and opportunistic play—an encouraging sign as the team continues its season. Clinton will look to regroup and tighten up defensively as they prepare for their next matchup.
 

Mt. Pulaski leaned on a dominant performance from Luke Martin and took advantage of a late Clinton error to slip past the Maroons, 2-1, in a tightly played matchup.

Runs were hard to come by all game, with both pitchers controlling the pace. Mt. Pulaski broke through first in the fourth inning, bringing Preston Cowan home to take a 1-0 lead. Clinton answered in the sixth when Josh Bass delivered a clutch RBI double to right field, scoring Jack Manning and tying things up at 1-1.

The game turned in the bottom half of the sixth. With pressure building, Luke Martin came around to score on an error, giving the Hilltoppers a 2-1 lead they would not give back.

On the mound, it was a true pitcher’s duel. Martin was outstanding for Mt. Pulaski, throwing a complete game while allowing just two hits and one run, striking out 10. Clinton’s Brock Wilson was just as strong, going six innings with 10 strikeouts, allowing four hits and two runs (one earned).

Mt. Pulaski made just enough plays late to secure the win in a game defined by pitching and timely execution.
 

The Normal West Wildcats used an eight-run second inning to rout the Urbana Tigers by a final score of 12-1 in five innings of Big 12 Conference high school baseball action in Urbana. 

Mayson Aslinger was hit by a pitch, and Bryson Edwards walked to start the top of the second for Normal West. They were brought home by a single from Charlie Hanks to make it 2-0. 

The Wildcats then capitalized on an Urbana error to make it 3-0, followed by a single from Jasper Pomis and a Double from Sam McCullly to make it 5-0 with two outs. Back-to-back triples from Ty Bachman and Aslinger made it 7-0 before Edwards was brought home on a walk. 

The Tigers stole a run back in the home half of the inning when Malik Lawrence stole home on a passed ball to make it 8-1. 

A Jayden Floyd Double scored Chase Reinhart and Jack Steidinger to grow the Normal West lead to 10-1, and Bachman singled in Floyd and Pomis from there for the final tally. 

Bachman led the Wildcats with a 2-for-4 outing, including two RBIs and a run scored. Aslinger was 1-for-3 but scored twice and batted one in. Edwards was the only Normal West Batter to not record a hit; he walked twice and scored once. 

Drake Rumps pitched five innings of one-run ball, allowing just two hits and striking out eight. 

Alden Bridges and Curtis Kennedy recorded the lone hits for the Tigers, each with a 1-for-2 performance. 

Isaac Armstrong twirled 2.2 innings, allowing four runs on five hits and striking out one, and recorded one walk. 

With the win, Normal West improves to 10-5 and 4-0 in the Big 12. Urbana falls to 2-10 and 0-4 in conference play. 
 

In a game heard on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Forrest Rawdin turned in his second complete game in as many outings, and Monticello overcame a slow start to beat Prairie Central 9-3 for its 15th straight win to open the season in Illini Prairie Conference high school baseball action on Monday in Monticello.

Rawdin's only blemish in his complete game effort was a three-run first inning home run by Chase Simpkins. 

After that, Rawdin would get the last 19 of 21 batters he faced, a dominant performance following a nine-strikeout, five-inning complete game last week against Decatur St. Teresa.

Tony Scherer had the Sages bats off balance the first time through the order, but Monticello would break through in the third. 

A Koyie Williams run-scoring double brought Monticello within 3-2. Williams later scored on Jake Motsegood's RBI sac fly.

Dawson Gaitros put Monticello in front for good in the fourth inning with an RBI single that scored Matthias Rudolph. 

Williams broke the game open with a two-run double in the sixth inning, extending the Monticello lead to 7-3. 

Williams was 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs. Motsegood drove in two runs. Cole Basak was 2-for-3 with an RBI double for Monticello. 

Rawdin went seven complete innings, allowing three runs on one hit with two walks and hit a batter. He was the State Bank of Bement player of the game.

Monticello is 15-0 overall and 3-0 in the Illini Prairie Conference. They visit Champaign St. Thomas More on Thursday.

Monticello started fast and held off Prairie Central for a 9-6 win in Illini Prairie Conference high school softball action on Monday in Monticello.

Monticello jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead with a three-run first inning and a four-run second inning.

After the Lady Hawks got within 7-6 thanks to a three-run fifth inning, Monticello added two insurance runs in the sixth.

Ali Weidner was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs to pace the Monticello offense. Madison Highland was 1-for-3 with a double and two RBIs.

Highland went five innings in circle, allowing four runs on ten hits with a walk and striking out two. 

Cassidee Stoffel was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Isabella Beery was 3-for-4 with a double for Monticello. 

Stoffel struck out four in two scoreless innings of relief.

Monticello goes to 11-4 overall and 1-2 in the Illini Prairie Conference. They will host Clinton on Wednesday. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Brayden Laesch had three extra-base hits, and Heyworth used a balanced offensive attack to beat Ridgeview 11-1 in Heart of Illinois Conference baseball action on Monday in Colfax.

Laesch doubled twice and tripled among his three hits, and five different players drove in runs in the victory.

Jackson Law drove in two and tripled. Laesch, Boston Katz, Braxton Denning, and Ridge Braden all had RBIs for the Hornets.

Katz struck out seven in three shutout innings for the win.

Heyworth goes to 4-5-2 overall and 2-2 in the Heart of Illinois Conference. They will visit Argenta-Oreana on Tuesday.

Maroa-Forsyth scored four first-inning runs and never looked back as the Trojans rolled Meridian 13-3 in non-conference high school baseball action on Monday in Macon. 

Colby Lane was 2-for-5 with a double and three RBIs to lead the Trojans offense. Ace Giles, Camden Trendler, and Cooper Wise drove in two runs. Trendler and Wise had doubles in the victory.

Ian Haynes fired 4 1/3 shutout innings. He struck out five, allowed two hits, and had zero walks. 

Wise allowed three unearned runs in 2 2/3 innings of relief. He struck out three and walked three. 

The Trojans go to 8-4-1 overall. They will travel to Pleasant Plains on Tuesday. 

Two players homered, and Normal Community powered its way to a 16-3 win over Danville in a five-inning, run-rule win on Monday in Big 12 Conference high school baseball action from Danville.

Owen Knox and Gavin Michaels went yard on Tuesday - they each had two RBIs.

Max Heineman, Drew Stevens, and Gavin Swartz each hit doubles. Gavin Micheals drove in three runs, and Swartz drove in two. Stevens, Lucas Beaty, and Carter Harris had RBIs for the Ironmen.

Chase Hendren allowed three runs on three hits in three innings of work to pick up the win. He struck out five and walked five. 

Normal Community goes to 9-1 overall and 3-0 in the Big 12 Conference. They travel to Morton on Tuesday before hosting Danville on Wednesday.