Diamond Notes: Week 3

April 8, 2022
By: Peter Hamot
Area Scout

Each week, IHSA coaches around the state submit to us their nominations for the PBR Illinois Player of the Week honor. On Wednesday, we awarded the Week 3 POTW honor to 3B/OF Luke Adams (Hinsdale Central, 2022; Michigan State commit). In three games last week, Adams went 10-for-11 with two triples, one double, seven RBIs, five runs scored, a walk and had an OPS of 2.280 - also swiping five bases along the way and reaching base in 11 out of 12 plate appearances. Perhaps the biggest knock he recorded was a walk-off triple to clear the bases and record three RBIs; almost leaving the yard but coming up just short with a ball that would have been out at most parks.

There were a number of other impressive performances that were in the mix for the award and deserve recognition. Here’s a look at some of the most notable.

Week 3 Diamond Notes

Mason Baer OF / LHP / Lake Park, IL / 2022

Illinois-Chicago commit, Mason Baer, picked up right where he left of from last season; going 8-for-16 through four games to open up Lake Park's season. Among his eight hits, Baer collected two home runs, a double, nine RBIs and four runs scored. There were two games that stood out for Baer during the week; the first being his 3-for-5 day in Lake Park's season opener, where he homered and scored twice - and the other being in an 11-7 victory over Siegel; where he went 3-for-4 with a double, four RBIs and a run scored.

Brandon Bak LHP / OF / Plainfield North, IL / 2022

The Illinois-Chicago commit was dominant in his start against Marengo last week; firing a four-inning no-hitter with seven strikeouts to just one walk - also leading his team to a 15-0 victory.

Tyler Bartczak RHP / OF / Shepard, IL / 2022

Senior Tyler Bartczak had a strong week in Myrtle Beach; going an overall 6-for-8 with a triple, three doubles, three walks and five runs scored. His overall most impressive game came in a 12-2 win over Buckeye; where he went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and an RBI - also tossing a complete game with just three hits, four strikeouts and no walks to pick up the win on the mound.

Adam Behrens RHP / 2B / Warren Township, IL / 2023

The Arizona State commit turned in an impressive week on both sides of the ball; going 7-for-14 at the plate on top of a strong effort on the mound. The right-hander fired six innings and picked up the win against a talented St. Charles North team; allowing three earned runs and striking out four - also going 2-for-2 at the plate with a double and scoring twice. Behrens also recorded a 2-for-2 day against Grayslake North with a triple and two RBIs. On the week, Behrens collected three triples, a double, five RBIs, seven runs scored and a batting average of .500 - helping to improve Warren Township to 7-0 and a feature in our PBR Power 25 Rankings at No. 21.

Tommy Boba RHP / Wheaton Warrenville South, IL / 2022

The Cincinnati commit led his team to a 1-0 win over Belleville West thanks to his stellar effort on the mound. The right-hander turned in a perfect game while notching 10 strikeouts along the way - only needing 67 pitches to complete the feat. He also recorded a 78% first pitch strike rate while collecting nine groundouts.

Marshall Ingold LHP / Rochester, IL / 2022

Senior Marshall Ingold went six strong innings against Jacksonville on Friday to go along with five strikeouts and just one earned run, leading the team to an 8-1 victory. On the season, Ingold now has a total of 15.1 innings pitched with a perfect 2-0 record, 16 strikeouts, three earned runs and an opposing batting average of .154.

Mason Lei RHP / Freeport, IL / 2023

Junior right-hander Mason Lei has been a driving force in Freeport's early success, helping them to an overall record of 6-0. On Wednesday against Winnebago, Lei earned the win on the mound after going five innings with 11 strikeouts, two walks and just one hit - with the Pretzels eventually winning the game 11-0.

Jack McNamara C / 1B / Lyons Township, IL / 2022

The Wisconsin-Oshkosh commit had a perfect week at the plate; going 7-for-7 in his two games played with two home runs, a double, four singles, six RBIs, four runs scored and a stolen base. Down 10-4 to Naperville Central at the time, McNamara stepped in and delivered a grand slam to cut the lead down to three. The Oshkosh commit also helped Lyons Township pick up their first win of the season, going a perfect 4-for-4 with a double, RBI and two runs scored in their 9-2 victory over Sandburg.

Seth Parkinson 3B / 2B / Rochester , IL / 2022

Senior Seth Parkinson went 4-for-7 on the week, with his most impressive game coming on Tuesday against Jacksonville; going 3-for-4 with a home run and and two RBIs. After his strong week, Parkinson is now batting .304 on the season.

Dylan Swanstrom OF / OF / Lemont , IL / 2023

The Lemont junior had a big week; going 6-for-8 at the plate with a double, two RBIs and eight stolen bases. His most impressive game of the week came in an 11-3 win over Ft. Lauderdale (FL); where he went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and swiped two bases.