WHEATON, IL - No. 1 Neuqua Valley remained undefeated on the season defeating Wheaton Warrenville South 3-0 in a clash of two hard-throwing RHPs. Anthony Sterchele (Neuqua Valley) and Caleb Larson (Wheaton Warrenville South & Illinois commit) both displayed strong performances for their respective teams.

Sterchele, a junior, kept the Wheaton Warrenville South Tigers bats in check all game long pitching out of three potential big innings. The big right-hander stuck out the final batter in the 3rd frame stranding a runner at 3rd base, induced an inning ending double play in the 4th and received bullpen help from teammate Jacob Karaba, leaving the bases juiced in the 6th. Karaba then struck out the side in the 7th inning earning the 4-out save.

Sterchele earned the victory with a line of: 5 ⅔ IP, 4 H, 0 R, 6 K, 3 BB, 1 HBP. Karaba finished with a line of: 1 ⅓ IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K, 0 BB.

Larson took the tough complete game loss on the day giving up three runs, two which were earned. The Neuqua Valley Wildcats plated their first run off of the University of Illinois commit scratching one across in the 2nd frame. Adam Graham reached on an infield single and later came into score on a RBI groundout by Jake Wenz. Graham finished 2-for-3 with a double and run scored.

The Wildcats padded on two more in the 6th courtesy of a pair of seeing eye singles and defensive miscues by the Tigers. Larson pitched himself out of the 6th inning jam, fanning two in the frame. Larson finished with a line of: 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 K, 0 BB, 1 HBP.

Evan Ranneklev (Neuqua Valley) had a productive day for the Tigers finishing 2-for-3 with a run scored, HBP and one stolen base.

Kendall Simpson (Wheaton Warrenville South) went 1-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base, which he swiped rather easily.

For more in-depth notes from the game - and all other games that we cover - visit the Illinois Scout Blog later.

RELATED CONTENT