By Drake Skleba

 

LINCOLNSHIRE - Libertyville-Stevenson. Stevenson-Libertyville. However way you list it, whenever these two North Suburban Conference rivals meet, expect a tight game that often comes down to the last play.

 

On Thursday at Stevenson was no exception. With No. 4 Stevenson clinging to an 8-7 lead with two outs in the top of the seventh and Libertyville runners at second and third, Libertyville senior third baseman Mike Wartnaby stepped to the plate.

 

On the mound for Stevenson (10-1, 3-1) was junior lefty Blake Fiedelman, who had fired 2 2/3 innings of shutout relief. Wartnaby hit a rocket that looked to be heading into left field to give the battling Wildcats the lead.

 

But Stevenson junior third baseman Mike Martin made a sensational diving stop of Wartnaby’s laser, picked himself up and fired a strike to first baseman Patrick Wilson and the Patriots had secured a big 8-7 North Suburban Conference Lake Division win.

 

“They came back and beat us the last time,” said Martin. “This was great that we were able to win this one tonight. I just do whatever I can to help my team win.”

 

Last Friday in Libertyville, the Wildcats spotted Stevenson a 5-0 lead and roared back to beat the Patriots 6-5 in eight thrilling innings.

 

The two rivals didn’t need extra innings this time around, but a wild contest did take place. Libertyville (7-4; 3-1) scored a pair of unearned runs off Stevenson starting pitcher, senior Greg Kingery (4IP 7R 9H 5ER 2K 1BB), in the top of the first. Wildcat senior right fielder Nathan Clark delivered a clutch two-out, two-run single to put the Wildcats on top 2-0.

 

Stevenson scored one in the bottom of the first on a sacrifice fly by senior first baseman Patrick Wilson. Libertyville picked up a pair in the second on another clutch two out hit by junior A.J. Schurr, who doubled home two to increase the Wildcats lead to 4-1.

 

Stevenson exploded in the second with six runs against Libertyville starting pitcher Tyler Schweigert. Martin started the six-run explosion with an RBI single. Senior DH Kory Cutler would drive in two on a single. Senior SS Kyle Ruchim hammered a long double, scoring two Patriot runs and Wilson would single in the final tally of the inning giving the Pats a 7-4 lead.

 

“It was a great game. We struggled early but came back to win this one. It’s always great to beat Libertyville,” said Wilson.

 

In the top of the fourth, Libertyville tied things up at 7 on a monster three-run jack by senior catcher Chad Uhler. It was the third home run of the season for the hard-hitting catcher.

 

The game settled down and it went to the bottom of the sixth still tied at 7. Libertyville replaced Schweigert with junior right-hander Davis Ogilvie (0-1). Ogilvie proceeded to walk Cutler and Ruchim to open the inning and then induced Wilson to hit into a 6-3 double play. With senior RF Erick King (1-for-3, BB) at the plate, Ogilvie unleashed a wild pitch, scoring pinch-runner junior Brandon Waters with the game-winner.

 

“This was a real battle,” said Ruchim. “We all really hit the ball today and it’s great to beat Libertyville. I had a good day at the plate. Our season thus far has been a great success due to our senior leadership; we start eight seniors and have great team chemistry. We are all best friends and hang out together.”

 

In the top of the seventh, Libertyville’s Clark led off the inning with a single. After one out, Ogilvie singled. On the play, a Stevenson throwing error moved up the runners to second and third. After the second out, Martin made the game-saving play and the Patriots had evened up the series with its rivals.

 

Fiedelman picked up the win and improved to 2-0 on the mound for the Patriots.

 

“It was a real crazy game,” said Fiedelman.”I just did what coach Mazzuca said and that’s to go out there and throw strikes. I pitched very well and Mike saved the game for me with his great play.”

 

“Another typical Libertyville-Stevenson game,” said Stevenson head coach Paul Mazzuca. “It was a hitter’s day and it came down to a tremendous game-saving play by Mike Martin. Blake Fiedelman did a great job for us on the mound. Crazy game. We win this wild game on a wild pitch and Mike’s play.”

 

Libertyville received a solid performance by senior Josh Prochotsky, who went 3-for-4.

 

“I am really proud of my kids,” said Libertyville head coach Jim Schurr. “I knew we would make a run at them in the seventh. You have to tip your hat to Martin. He made an outstanding play to help their cause.”