Jacob Hendren, LHP, Normal U-High, Class of 2012

By Sean Duncan

Shortly after Normal U-High’s Class 2A state championship victory over Rock Island Alleman, left-handed pitcher Jacob Hendren was asked about his incredibly active role during the Pioneers’ run through the playoffs.

“This is the state championship – you can’t be tired,” Hendren said last Saturday night at O’Brien Field in Peoria.

If anyone has the right to be tired, it’s Hendren. The 6-foot-2, 165-pound left-hander either won or saved all but one Normal U-High’s seven playoff games. In a remarkable week, Hendren earned a hard-fought 5-4 victory over Alleman in a thrilling championship game that lasted eight innings Saturday night. Hendren worked seven innings, allowing six hits and striking out four. He also had a hit during the game.

U-High advanced to the Class 2A state semifinals thanks to a lights-out performance by Hendren in the supersectional on Monday. Hendren threw a no-hitter in 6.1 innings, striking out five, as U-High hammered Peoria Notre Dame 11-1. In the sectional final two days prior, Hendren nailed down the save in the Pioneers’ 4-3 win over Stanford Olympia.

Hendren also earned the 4-1 victory over Bloomington Central Catholic in the sectional semifinals, got the save in the regional final, and the victory in the first round, a 6-1 win over Pontiac.

Jacob Hendren and his twin brother Jared are both signed at Heartland CC. Jacob finished his senior season with a 9-1 record and a 1.03 ERA.

The Porsche Exchange salutes Jacob for his hard work and success.

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