The Schlarman Academy baseball team is no stranger to drama this season, and Friday's showdown against Hoopeston Area was another classic. After falling behind 10-3 by the second inning, the Hilltoppers staged a remarkable comeback, erupting for six runs in the fifth inning to secure a thrilling 12-11 victory.
Jerrius Atkinson was the star of the show, launching two home runs and driving in three runs. Will Fowler contributed three hits and two RBIs, while Wyatt Wallen added two RBIs. Ivan Rodriguez chipped in with two hits and an RBI, and Miles Croxby, Nolan Dixon, and Jack Barber each recorded one RBI. Liam Billings also had two hits to round out the offensive attack.
For Hoopeston Area, Fletcher Swartz had a big day with four RBIs. Cole Miller, Isaiah Mobley, and Zach Huchel each collected two hits and two RBIs, while Felix Cantu added two hits. The Cornjerkers had been riding a two-game winning streak, including a 7-6 victory over Cissna Park on Thursday, where Owen Field had two hits and two RBIs, and Huchel, Brayden Cornelius, Haydin Mills, and Swartz each drove in a run.
In other action, Peoria's Liam Enyeart and Blake Warfield each recorded a hit, but the Vikings fell to the Irish in Big 12 Conference play. The Vikings, now 6-14, will travel to Normal West on Wednesday.
At Catlin, Ben Johnson and Braxton Barrett combined for six strikeouts and a one-hitter as Westville shut out Salt Fork. Johnson also drove in three runs, while Alec Davis had two hits and an RBI. Ean Jones, Kiptyn Appl, and Owen Atwood each contributed one RBI. Pedro Rangel V had the lone hit for Salt Fork, who dropped to 9-7 and will face Georgetown-Ridge Farm on Monday. Westville improved to 13-11 and will host Casey-Westfield and Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley in a round-robin today.
In Bismarck, Cruz Dubois smashed a home run and drove in three runs to lead the Blue Devils past the Bearcats. Jaxon Spicer added two hits and an RBI, while Landen Packard, Mason Clapp, and Mason Brines each had one RBI. Drew Dubois collected two hits, and Spicer struck out six on the mound to earn the win. Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin, now 11-7, will face Paris today.
Oakwood struggled to keep pace offensively in a loss to the Timberwolves. Weston Frazier drove in three runs, while Grady Johnson had three hits and an RBI, and Gauge Carillo added an RBI. The Comets, now 7-10, will travel to Armstrong-Potomac on Monday.
At Gilman, Traxton Roberts and Ryan Edwards combined for a one-hitter and 17 strikeouts as Armstrong-Potomac shut out the Raiders. Roberts also had two hits, including a solo home run, while Rhys Showalter drove in two runs and Kolten Morgan added an RBI. The Trojans, now 13-3, will host Oakwood on Monday.
Watseka battled hard but came up short in a tight contest.