Prep Baseball Report

Four teams remain in Phil Lawler Classic



The final four of the Phil Lawler Classic is set after the completion of Tuesday’s summer state tournament games at Benedictine University and North Central College.

Nazareth Academy and Neuqua Valley each advanced through the winner’s bracket while St. Laurence and Streamwood survived and advanced through the loser’s bracket. Wednesday’s two semifinal games will be played at Benedictine University in Lisle. In the marquee matchup, Nazareth Academy takes on St. Laurence at 5 p.m., while Neuqua Valley squares off against Streamwood at 7:30 p.m.

Neuqua Valley 3, Lake Zurich 2: Enjoying a somewhat surprising summer tournament run, Neuqua Valley (31-3) gave the fans at North Central College their money’s worth on Tuesday, as they needed 11 innings to advance to the final four.

Known for his defensive prowess at shortstop, Mike Bogar was called into relief duties, and the senior right-hander came through by throwing six innings of four-hit ball. Bogar allowed one run and struck out six in relief of senior right-hander Alex Bucz in the fifth inning. Bogar escaped several jams, including a no-out, bases-loaded situation in the ninth.

Andrew Skowronski’s second sacrifice fly of the game scored Drew Bailey for the game-winning run in the 11th inning. Lake Zurich starter Eddie Szarkowicz gave a valiant effort in the loss. Szarkowicz allowed two runs, one earned, seven hits and struck out eight in nine-plus innings for the Bears, who committed five errors.

Nazareth Academy 8, St. Charles East 0: The Roadrunners continued their impressive summer run by blanking the Saints at Benedictine University. Junior left-hander Ryan Marske fired a three-hit masterpiece to advance Nazareth to Wednesday’s semifinals at 5 p.m. St. Charles East never advanced past second base against the 6-foot-4, 175-pound Marske.

Meanwhile, the Roadrunners (31-4-2) provided plenty of run support. Third baseman Anthony Baldassano led the way with a 4-for-4 performance that included a double and three runs scored. Rob Petrak added three hits and slick-fielding shortstop Michael Barajas contributed two hits, two RBI and two runs.

St. Laurence 8, Lake Zurich 0: The Vikings (24-4) took advantage of the Bears’ weary legs to cruise to the victory. Senior right-hander Mike Chimera threw six shutout innings with two strikeouts as the Vikings advance to the semifinals, where it will play Nazareth at 5 p.m. The Vikings scored two runs with two outs in the third to break open a scoreless tie and ultimately knock Lake Zurich out of the tournament.

Streamwood 4, St. Charles East 2: Streamwood eliminated the Saints from the tournament and earned a date with Neuqua Valley in Wednesday’s semifinal at 7:30 p.m.