It was all Grayslake Central in the first game of the 3A IHSA state playoffs, as the Rams took down Effingham 9-1 to secure their spot in Saturday’s state championship game. 

The Rams jumped out to a lead early, pushing a run across in the bottom of the first inning. Jack Gerbasi (2023) was hit by a pitch, advancing to second on a single up the middle from Adam Fitzgerald (2023). With two outs, Riley Policht (2023) barreled a double into the right-center gap, scoring Gerbasi, and putting the Rams on the board. 

3B Riley Policht (2023, Grayslake Central) gets the rams on the board with this RBI single.

At the end of 1, Grayslake Central leads 1-0. pic.twitter.com/o6eWYMdeTx

— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023

Grayslake Central scored two more runs in the bottom of the third inning. Luke Mudd (2023) and Fitzgerald led off the frame with a back-to-back walks. Effingham recorded two quick outs, putting the Rams’ rally in jeopardy. Garrett Guenther (2023; Central College) ripped a double to left-center, however, to plate a pair, and give the Rams a 3-0 lead through three. 

At Joliet:

2B Garrett Guenther (2023, Central College Commit) extends the lead to three on this two-run double to LCF.

Grayslake Central leads 3-0 through three. pic.twitter.com/rgaA07iDAQ

— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023

Three runs in the fourth and fifth innings, respectively, helped tilt this game in favor of Grayslake Central quickly. A two-run double from Mudd and a single from Policht scored three in the fourth. 

At Joliet:

Grayslake CF Luke Mudd (2023) barrels this ball to LCF for a loud two-run 2B.

Rams lead 5-0 in the bottom of the fourth, and are still threatening. pic.twitter.com/40XprVQwj5

— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023

Mudd scored two more on a single in the fifth, and the Rams would add another run thanks to a single from Fitzgerald. 

At Joliet:

Grayslake Central RF Adam Fitzgerald (2023) plates Mudd on an RBI single to LF.

Rams extend their lead to 9-0 going to the sixth. pic.twitter.com/4QF8OXCCG0

— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023

Grayslake Central starter Will Schufreider (2023; College of Lake County) allowed his first hit in the bottom of the sixth inning, which was an RBI single from Kaden Koeberlein (2025). Besides that, Schufreider was dominant, punching out six over 5 ⅔ innings of work. Fikret Durmus (2023) closed things out with 1 ⅓ scoreless innings in relief. 

FINAL:

Will Schufreider’s stellar start, and plenty of offense propelled Grayslake Central to a 9-1 win and a spot in tomorrow’s 3A state championship. pic.twitter.com/pkSwU5IPQ3

— PBR Illinois (@PBRIllinois) June 9, 2023

With the win, Grayslake Central will play the winner of Nazareth Academy and Sycamore in the 3A state championship game on Saturday. Effingham draws the loser of that aforementioned contest, which is slated for a 9:00 AM start. 

NOTABLE PERFORMERS 

+ Luke Mudd (Grayslake Central): 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 RS
+ Adam Fitzgerald (Grayslake Central): 2-for-3, RBI, RS
+ Riley Policht (Grayslake Central): 2-for-3, 2 RBI, RS
+ Garrett Guenther (Grayslake Central): 1-for-3, 2 RBI
+ Will Schufreider (Grayslake Central): 5 2/3 IP, H, ER, 2 BB, 6 K, W

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