The Monticello Sages were unable to solve Champaign Central pitching on Wednesday night as the Maroons used timely hitting and a dominant performance on the mound to secure a 7-0 victory over Monticello.
Despite drawing five walks and putting runners on base throughout the game, the Sages struggled to generate offensive momentum against Champaign Central starter Cole, who finished with 11 strikeouts and limited Monticello to just three hits.
Champaign Central took control early in the bottom of the first inning. After a pair of hits put runners in scoring position, the Maroons capitalized on aggressive baserunning and a passed ball to plate two runs before the inning came to a close, grabbing a quick 2-0 advantage.
The Maroons added to the lead in the second inning when Ciclora launched a solo home run to left field, extending the margin to 3-0.
Monticello had opportunities to answer but could never come through with the timely hit. Dawson Gaitros and Cole Basak each worked walks in the opening inning before the Sages grounded into an inning-ending double play. In the fifth inning, Jake Motsegood and Matthais Rudolph both singled to give Monticello another scoring opportunity, but Champaign Central escaped the jam with a strikeout to preserve the shutout.
Jake Motsegood accounted for two of Monticello’s three hits, finishing 2-for-3 at the plate, while Matthais Rudolph added the other hit for the Sages. Cole Basak and Dawson Gaitros each reached base twice via walks, and Koyie Williams was hit by a pitch.
Champaign Central broke the game open in the fifth inning with a four-run frame. The Maroons strung together several clutch hits, including a run-scoring single from Timmons and a two-run double from Bralts that pushed the lead to 7-0.
On the mound, Matthais Rudolph battled through 4.1 innings for Monticello, allowing seven hits and six earned runs while striking out two. Zeke Young provided solid relief work, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings and striking out one.
Defensively, the Sages turned several key plays in the field throughout the night. Dawson Gaitros and Cole Basak combined on multiple force plays in the middle infield, while Jake Motsegood handled several tough chances at first base.
Although the final score did not favor Monticello, the Sages continued to compete deep into the game and showed flashes defensively against a tough Champaign Central squad.
#28 Jax Bailey secures the Grounder, and makes the Throw to #21 Jake Motsegood
#4 Zeke Young makes the Stop, and Secures the Throw to #21 Jake Motsegood
#17 Cole Basak Makes the Fly Ball Catch in Centerfield
#21 Jake Motsegood finding the Gap and is Safe at 1st
#18 Dawson Gaitros secures the grounder and Throw to #21 Jake Motsegood
#18 Dawson Gaitros secures the Grounder, and makes the Toss to #17 Cole Basak for the Force Out at 2nd