Team Illinois Junior Future Games: Recap Stories

TEAM ILLINOIS (1) VS. IOWA/NEBRASKA

By: Gavin Smith
Area Scout

In Team Illinois’ first showdown at the Junior Future Games in Georgia, the prospects took on Iowa/Nebraska, and although they lost 7-5, there were many notable highlights throughout the game.

3B Gavin Stanislowski (Brother Rice, 2027) was arguably the top performer in our first games showing above-average bat-to-ball skills and impressive defense. In his first at-bat of the game, Stanislowski blasted a two-run home run over the left field wall to give Illinois the early 2-0 lead. He was a standout in the game on the defensive side as well, manning the third base position throughout. His work was highlighted by a diving play to his right side, tagging a runner out and throwing it across the diamond to record a double play. 

Team Illinois’ starting pitcher, RHP/OF Wade Ozment (Crystal Lake Central, 2027), threw four innings on the mound and was consistently in the strike zone throughout his outing. Later in the game, INF/RHP Jacsen Tucker (Oswego East, 2027) threw an inning of relief to keep the Iowa/Nebraska offense quiet in the bottom of the sixth, allowing Team Illinois to threaten in the top half of the seventh. 

Down 7-3 in the top of the seventh, Team Illinois was able to put a few runs on the board, beginning with a double from RHP/1B Brady Cunningham (Brother Rice, 2027). C/1B Keegan Seipp (O’Fallon, 2027) followed, delivering a single up the middle to put two runners on base.  Then it was C Brody Lindeman’s (Belleville East, 2027) turn, as the right-handed batter singled and drove in a run. OF/RHP Cullen Schwigen (Rockridge, 2027) had a single in the inning, and Tucker drove in a run on a groundout single, but Team Illinois ultimately fell short and dropped Game One of the weekend, 7-5.

Team Illinois (1) will play Team California at 9:30 PM on Thursday, July 27th on Field 16.

TEAM ILLINOIS (2) VS. CANADA (1)

By: Tyler Defibaugh
Area Scout

Team Illinois started their Junior Future Games week with a win over Team Canada 6-2 on Wednesday night. The victory was highlighted by standout pitching, solid defensive play, and quality at-bats. 

There were many top performers throughout the matchup, with UTL Noah Hallahan (Geneva, 2027) having arguably the best night. Hallahan batted out of the five-hole and didn’t waste any time putting his stamp on the game; he smacked a pull-side triple to the left-center field wall, eventually scoring Team Illinois’ first run of the game. In Hallahan’s second at-bat, the 2027 prospect walked, then stole second base, showcasing his savvy base-running traits. 

Also having a solid all-around showing was OF Omar Avalos (Father McGivney, 2027), who batted leadoff for Team Illinois and played centerfield, displaying aggressiveness at the plate throughout the night; he tallied one hit, a walk, and a run scored. The lefty made every play in the outfield Wednesday night, and saved multiple runs for the pitching staff. 

On the mound, LHP Aidan Dillon (Brother Rice, 2027) was a stopper out of the ‘pen for Team Illinois, tossing two no-hit innings, allowing zero runs, punching out three, and walking one. His backstop, C Myles Broome (Brother Rice, 2027) showcased athletic actions out of the crouch and a willingness to block, allowing him to prevent opponents from scoring. Broome also tallied two walks at the plate with a run scored. Finally, SS Kaden Wasniewski (McHenry, 2027) collected a hit on Wednesday night to round out Team Illinois’ 6-2 win.

Team Illinois (2) will play Team Mississippi at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 27th on Field 13.

Follow along on PBR Illinois’ Twitter for social media highlights throughout the week.

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