By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Normal West senior RHP/SS Matthew James has been in the limelight since his freshman year. After he earned PBR All-State honors as a sophomore, the two-way standout was cruising through another successful campaign last spring before his junior season was came to an abrupt halt when he was diagnosed with mono.

The 6-foot-2, 165-pound James is back to his dominant self, if the first week of the season is any indication. In No. 5 Normal West’s season-opener last Saturday, James threw a five-inning perfect game during a 10-0 mercy-rule victory over Galesburg. James faced the minimum, striking out 12 of the 15 batters he faced. No ball left the infield. It was James’ second perfect game of his decorated career and his 19^th career varsity victory. The left-handed hitter also contributed at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a two-run triple and two walks.

James’ performance was enough to earn the season’s first Porsche Exchange Player of the Week honors. The University of Illinois recruit, however, continued to add on to his stellar week.

On Tuesday against No. 33 Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, James went 1-for-3 with another two-run triple and a walk. His triple was his 14^th of his career, a school record. Normal West lost the game 4-3.

James then missed school on Wednesday and Thursday with a stomach virus, but came back on Friday to throw a perfect seventh inning in a 4-0 win over Peoria Richwoods. James recorded a strikeout in the inning.

On Saturday, James got the save, working another perfect seventh inning with two strikeouts in Normal West’s 3-1 win over Lincoln.

In the week, James threw seven perfect innings with 15 strikeouts. He also tallied two triples, four RBI and four walks at the plate.

“He is a warrior,” said Normal West coach Chris Hawkins. “He wants the ball every day. He wants the ball against the best teams. He always steps up.”

The Porsche Exchange salutes James for his hard work and success.

Nominate a Player

Please send all weekly statistics, Saturday through Saturday, before noon on Monday to Sean Duncan at [email protected] . Please also include the player’s season statistics, in addition to any other pertinent information. The more information the better.

About The Exchange

The Exchange has been family owned and operated for over 30 years. Our simple motto “Expect the Exceptional” expresses our core belief in the Golden Rule, that you will be treated as we would like to be treated, whether shopping for your next Audi, Porsche or Saab or servicing your existing one.

We are the largest volume Audi, Porsche and Saab dealer in the Midwest, and have received all the awards from the manufacturer (Audi Magna Society, Porsche Premier Dealer, Saab Dealer of the Year). This is a testament to the service you can expect to receive from The Exchange.

At The Exchange, we pride ourselves on providing the best automobile purchase experience you will have. From our certified Porsche, Audi and Saab sales staffs, to our finance office, to our Service and Parts departments, our promise is to be straightforward, honest and fair.

Amenities offered from the Exchange:

Complimentary Pick Up and Drop Off Service: Call us and we will pick your vehicle up and drop your vehicle off after the work is complete. (Geographic limitations apply, please call for details)

Complimentary Loaner Cars: Call or stop in and schedule a service appointment and receive a complimentary loaner car equipped with I-pass. (by Appointment Only)

Complimentary Car Washes

Wi-Fi Internet Access at each location

Complimentary Train Station Shuttle Service

Saturday Service Hours

Complimentary Full Tank of gas with New or CPO vehicle purchase

Complimentary Body Shop Repair Estimates

We are car experts. If you have a question that pertains to cars, we will have the answer or get you the answer. Please use us a resource for all your car needs.

 

CONTACT
2300 Skokie Valley Rd.
Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: 847.266.7000