The first game of the 4A state semifinals pitted the reigning state champion Edwardsville Tigers (31-9) against York (23-15-1).  

It didn’t take the Tigers long to get on the board, as Edwardsville scored five runs in the bottom half of the first inning. Caeleb Copeland (2023; St. Charles CC) belted a double into the left-center gap, scoring Joe Chiarodo (2025) from second for the Tigers’ first run. 

At Joliet:

Caeleb Copeland (2023; St. Charles CC) puts the Tigers on the board in the ⬇️1️⃣ with this RBI 2B.?

Still threatening, Edwardsville leads York 2-0. pic.twitter.com/GVxhQdGI7v

— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023

Edwardsville would add another run in the inning on a rundown where the aforementioned Copeland beat out the throw at home. With two outs, senior shortstop Kayden Jennings (2023; Illinois-Springfield) stepped up to the plate and turned one around with authority, lining a screaming three-run home over the left field wall. After the game’s first frame, the Tigers led 5-0. 

At Joliet:

SS Kayden Jennings (2023; Illinois-Springfield) beams a three-run #PBRBombSquad in the bottom of the first for Edwardsville.

After one, the Tigers’ lead York 5-0. pic.twitter.com/oxooOsg7u6

— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023

York scored their first run of the contest in the top of the fourth. With the bases loaded, junior Paul Reedy (2024) squeaked a single through the right side of the infield to score a run. Chiarodo, the Edwardsville starting pitcher, was able to escape without any further damage. 

At Joliet:

York gets on the board in the top of the fourth via an RBI 1B from ‘24 Paul Reedy.

To the ⬇️4️⃣, the Dukes trail Edwardsville 5-1. pic.twitter.com/lYRtr10s3A

— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023

The Dukes threatened again in the top of the fifth, but Chiarodo punched out the side to keep York off the board. His day would end after 5 ⅓ innings of work, and the Alabama commit fanned seven, allowing a run on five hits. He ran his fastball up to 91 mph in the second, pitching in the upper-80s, while grabbing swings-and-miss on a tight 74-77 mph that mirrors his fastball’s plane. 

RHP Joe Chiarodo (Edwardsville, 2025; Alabama commit) departs after 5 1/3 innings of work, punching out seven, and allowing only a run.

Pitched in the upper-80s, T91 mph in the second.

Got S/M on tight SL with late break at 74-77 mph.

One of the top arms in IL. pic.twitter.com/NfV7tQMHJV

— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023

Edwardsville scored two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Andrew Hendrickson (2023) elevated a fly ball to left field for a sacrifice fly, and Jennings singled a run home, adding to his total on the day, and giving the Tigers a 7-1 lead. 

At Joliet:

Edwardsville adds two more runs in the bottom of the fifth.

A sacrifice fly from Andrew Hendrickson (2023; Lincoln Land CC) and this RBI single from Kayden Jennings (2023; Illinois-Springfield) extend the Tigers’ lead.?

Through five, Edwardsville leads 7-1. pic.twitter.com/76oI4HsSYz

— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023

York scored a run in the bottom of the seventh inning, but the Tigers’ held on to win the contest 7-3. Edwardsville will play the winner of Brother Rice and New Trier tomorrow afternoon in the 4A state championship game, while York will draw the loser of that aforementioned contest. 

FINAL:

Joe Chiarodo hurled 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball, Kayden Jennings plated four, and Andrew Hendrickson picked up the four-pitch save to send Edwardsville to the 4A championship.

The reigning state champs will play tomorrow afternoon with a chance to defend their title. pic.twitter.com/Dma5uaBKNC

— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023
 

NOTABLE PERFORMERS

+ Joe Chiarodo (Edwardsville): 5 1/3 IP, 5 H, ER, 4 BB, 8 K
+ Kayden Jennings (Edwardsville): 2-for-4, 4 RBI, HR, RS
+ Caeleb Copeland (Edwardsville): 1-for-2, RBI, 2B, 2 RS 

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