Mundelein Shuts out Huntley on Their Way to State

June 7, 2016

By Mitch Schulewitz

SCHAUMBUG, IL – Huntley and No. 21 Mundelein faced off Monday night to determine who would punch the last ticket to the Illinois state semifinal. Mundelein ran away with the victory in shutout fashion, winning 8-0.

It all started on the mound for the Mustangs with junior right-handed pitcher Will Michalski. Michalski went the distance, finishing the day with 8 strikeouts, allowing just three hits. Michalski kept Huntley hitters off balance with a three pitch mix, consistently throwing his sweeping breaking ball for a strike.

In the top of the third inning, Mundelein jumped on the board. With bases loaded and two outs, Arizona State commit Brendan Murphy hit a groundball up the middle that was stopped near the outfield grass. Testing the defense, Nicholas Stricker went from second to home without hesitation. An offline throw to the plate allowed Stricker to score standing up, giving the Mustangs an early 2-0 lead. The two runs turned out to be all Mundelein needed to move past the Huntly Raiders.

The Mustangs received three insurance runs in fifth inning when senior Reid Rubio smoked a two out double into left center, putting the game out of reach at 6-0.

Huntley (25-15) tried to scratch their way back into the game in the bottom of the 6^th inning. Huntley loaded the bases with two outs, thanks to two walks and a single by the speedy Jeff Heinrich. Michalski was able to get four hitter Brad Model to fly out to centerfield, thwarting the threat, and keeping the shutout intact.

The Mustangs will play Friday at Silver Cross Field in Joliet against St. Charles North at 5 pm.