Nazareth Acacdemy Wins Low-Scoring Affair To Advance To 3A State Championship
June 9, 2023
Nazareth Academy, the reigning state champions, edged out Sycamore 2-0 in a tight-knit, low-scoring affair to advance to tomorrow’s title game with a chance to defend their crown.
The Roadrunners got on the board in the top of the third inning. Nick Drtina (2024; Louisville) battled at the plate, squeaking a two-strike single through the right side of the infield for an RBI single. Two batter’s later, Landon Thome (2026) plated a run on a sacrifice fly to left field.
At Joliet:
— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023
Nazareth Academy gets on the board in the top of the third with this 2K 1B from ‘24 Nick Drtina (Louisville commit).
Still threatening, the Roadrunners lead 1-0. pic.twitter.com/4YFq654qUL
Sycamore threatened a few times in the contest, but the Spartans’ offense wasn’t a match for Nazareth southpaw John Hughes (2024; North Carolina). Hughes navigated through Sycamore’s tough offense, hurling five scoreless innings, while throwing all three pitches for strikes in any given count.
At Joliet:
— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023
LHP John Hughes (2024; North Carolina) is through five scoreless for the Roadrunners.
Through five, Nazareth Academy leads Sycamore 2-0. pic.twitter.com/QTeYepiNDU
The Spartans kept Nazareth off the board for three innings, but the Roadrunners’ added a key insurance run in the top of the third on an RBI single from the aforementioned Thome.
At Joliet:
— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023
Nazareth adds another run in the top of the seventh on an RBI single from Landon Thome (2026), his second of the day.
The Roadrunners are three outs away from a spot in tomorrow’s 3A state championship game, now leading 3-0. pic.twitter.com/YUHB9pI4tt
Nazareth handed the ball to star sophomore Jaden Fauske (2025; Louisville) following Hughes’ departure. Though known for his talents at the plate, Fauske was equally as impressive on the mound in this look, hurling two scoreless innings to lock up the save. Seemingly unfazed through pressure, Fauske pitched in the upper-80s with his fastball from a clean, low-effort delivery.
FINAL:
— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023
Nazareth Academy takes down Sycamore 3-0 to advance to the 3A state championship.
The reigning state champions will face off against Grayslake Central tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/B5Wyd7ttMR
With the win, Nazareth will face off against Grayslake Central tomorrow for the 3A state championship. That game will take place following the conclusion of the third-place game, which starts at 9:00 AM and will feature the Sycamores and Effingham.
NOTABLE PERFORMERS
+ John Hughes (Nazareth Academy): 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, BB, 3 K
+ Landon Thome (Nazareth Academy): 2-for-2, 2 RBI
+ Nick Drtina (Nazareth Academy): 2-for-4, RBI
+ Lucas Smith (Nazareth Academy): 2-for-4, 2 RS
+ Jaden Fauske (Nazareth Academy): 2 IP, BB, 2 K, SV
+ Tommy Townsend (Sycamore): 4 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 K