Despite being out-hit 6-5, the IHSA 2A title came down to the pitching of Cam McDonald (pictured below), an Illinois commit who’s more known for his skills in the batter’s box. McDonald picked up where starter Jimmy DeAngelo left off, shutting down Teutopolis over the final two frames to secure Hall’s 4-1 lead and win.

Teutopolis was attempting to capture its second straight 2A title but were ultimately put away by McDonald when he broke the scoreless tie and the perfect game Cody Jansen had going by the fourth inning.

For more on Hall’s state title win, check out the game story put together by our own Tino Abarca back in June.

HALL RED DEVILS DEFEAT THE REIGNING 2A CHAMPS

(From June 2, 2018) PEORIA, IL – Teutopolis and Hall needed extra innings to earn themselves spot in Saturday’s 2A championship game. The latter played their second game in less than twelve hours after playing deep into Friday night, but overcame a quick turnaround to defeat the Wooden Shoes of Teutopolis 4-1.

Entering the seventh, Hall held a narrow 2-1 lead, but capitalized off a pair of fielder’s choices. In an attempt to get the lead runner twice, Teutopolis failed to record an out, setting the table for senior Ty Rybarczyk (Parkland commit). He singled to right to score his freshman brother, Trez Rybarczyk, and Brayden DeBates.

Teutopolis starter Cody Jansen (John A. Logan JC commit) threw three perfect innings before running into trouble in the fourth. Red Devils shortstop Cam McDonald broke up the perfecto with a single and scored on Brant Vanaman (Kent State commit) triple to right center. Jimmy DeAngelo helped his own cause on the mound by plating Vanaman with a bloop single just over the second baseman’s head over a drawn in infield.

The Wooden Shoes quickly responded, cutting the lead in half. Drew Thoele singled and scored on a Mitch Hemmen single. This would be the only run Teutopolis scored, getting only two runners in scoring position for the remainder of the contest.

Cam McDonald (Illinois commit), who came into pitch in relief, closed out the final two frames allowing one baserunner and setting the Wooden Shoes down in order in the seventh.

McDonald and DeAngelo combined for a six-hit, one-run performance, striking out four.

Teutopolis (30-7), a mainstay at the state finals lost in the championship game after winning the tournament a season ago. Head coach Justin Fleener’s second-place finish is his first – the school’s first second-place finish since 1999.

The Hall Red Devils (30-3) win the 2A state title – the first time they’ve placed with Tom Keegan at the helm.

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