It has been a pleasure and an honor keeping the stats this year, as it has afforded me the privilege of sharing the dugout with this team. We’ve certainly had some great times and memorable moments this season, going back to playing under the lights at Disney and our service project there with the crisis child care facility. We have had some great wins and some tough losses, some long travel, and a highway rescue on I74.

Sharing the bench with the boys, it is quite obvious that they love the game. They all know their role on the team and recognize it as a team sport. They handled themselves with good sportsmanship and dignity all season long, whether they were winning or losing or getting bad calls. All of the parents should be proud of their sons. Each one brought character and class to this team.

It is always tough to see the seniors move on, but they have bigger and better things to do in their lives; and we do have lots of talented young players looking for their opportunities to move up. They will have some pretty big holes to fill next year. Jim Rear, Kyle Pellum, and Clayton Reiser were instrumental to the team’s success this year. Between them they accounted for 11 home runs and 306 plate appearances. Together, they averaged over 205 innings played and accounted for nearly 40% of the team’s RBIs.

Thank you to the coaching staff for all of their time and effort, and to all those who helped mow, rake, and line the field for each game, and help host the Regional games. A lot of preparations go into each season and each game that most don’t see or recognize. It takes a lot of volunteers to run a varsity baseball program of this caliber. STM baseball is blessed to have folks who are always ready and willing.

It was a fun season and it is sad to see it end.

Jim Nogle
STM Baseball

Perfect weather conditions prevailed for Friday’s IHSA Regional game against Monticello. A cloudless sky, 72 degrees, and no wind. The field was well groomed and the Sabers were wearing their “regional gold” uniforms, which contrasted against the mostly purple with yellow jerseys of Monticello. Monticello was granted the advantage of last at bat, which proved to be very important in what was to be a back and forth battle for survival.

Trent Richardson, who has been one of the top performing pitchers for STM, came into the game with nearly 60 strikeouts and a 2.71 ERA. With a strong arm and a history of endurance on the mound, Trent was the obvious choice to start the game for the Sabers. And his team gave him a good start, scoring 3 runs, all on a two out rally. But, Monticello has a lot of bats in its line up, and they came back and batted 8 players, scoring two in the bottom of the first inning. Trent gave up 4 walks in the inning, which is a real rarity for him. Clearly he was off to a rough start.

In the top of the second inning, STM went scoreless, and Monticello mounted a big inning in the bottom. The four of the first five batters reached, on 3 hits and an STM error, and Trent had to be relieved. Dane Krone came in with a runner on second, and the score 5 to 3 (Monticello). Dane put the next batter on with a hit by pitch, got a short to second fielder’s choice out on the next batter, but then gave up a triple to score both base runners. The third out came on a 6-3 put out—Pellum to Rear—which ended the inning with the score 7 to 3.

Monticello’s pitcher, Koncel, had another good inning retiring the Sabers after facing just four batters in the third, and Dane Krone came back and faced just three in the bottom. STM was down by four runs, but a long way from being out of the game.

In the fourth inning, the Sabers batted 8 and scored 4. Pellum led off with a walk, Dan Murphy stroked his second straight single, Parkhill reached on an error at short, Nogle laid down a sac bunt, moving Parkhill to second, Scwhweighart drew a walk, Reiser hit his third straight single, and Krone singled. The third out came when Clayton Reiser got caught too far off base on a grounder to third, but the Sabers tied the score at 7 each. In the bottom, the lead off batter reached on an STM error, advanced on another error, and scored on a play at first. In that inning, Kyle Pellum fielded a ball deep at short, and fired Dylan Ray at the plate for a tag out of the sliding runner for the second out. Monticello regained the lead, 8 to 7.

Moving to the 5th inning, STM tied the game again. Kyle Pellum, with one out, stretched a single into a double with sheer determination and speed, and was shortly driven in by Dan Murphy with his third straight single. With Pellum’s score, it was 8 to 8 in the middle of the 5th. Monticello started their half with a walk and two straight hit batters. Dane Krone, after a good two innings was struggling, and Coach Rear brought in Tyler Schweighart with the bags full and no one out. Tyler coaxed a shallow fly for an out in right, holding the runners, but the next batter hit to deep left. Clayton Reiser hauled it in for a sacrifice fly out, but two runs scored. The next batter hit to Nogle at second for an unassisted put out, so, Tyler did his job. He faced three batters and got three outs, but the score was now STM 8 and the Sages 10.

Leading off the 6th for STM was Tyler Schweighart. On an 0-1 count he drove the ball deep in the gap between right and center and stretched out a triple. Monticello then changed pitchers and moved Magsamen from second base to the mound. He got three quick outs for the Sages, but not before Schweighart scored, making it STM 9 and Monticello 10. Tyler Schweighart gave up a lead off single in the bottom of the sixth, but stranded him at third, with two strike outs and a come backer to the mound, keeping the score at 9 to 10.

With one inning left in regulation, STM came to bat needing at least one run to tie. Kyle Pellum, with one out, stroked a single and reached third on Dan Murphy’s 4th straight hit. Kyle scored on a single by Parkhill and Murphy scored on Nogle’s fielder’s choice which erased Parkhill at second. Tyler Schweighart then grounded out short to second to end the top half of seven, but the never quit Sabers had taken the lead—11 to 10.

Monticello was due with the top of their line up. Marry started off with a single, and moved to second on a wild pitch to Nick Fincham. Fincham popped out to center, for the first out, but the third batter up, Thompson hit an infield hit that moved Marry to third. Feeney then scored Marry on a single up the middle, to tie the game. Kyle Fincham then popped out for an infield fly rule out at short. STM now was just one out from extra innings with some momentum going their way. Tyler still had to deal with Hoss, one of Monticello’s best hitters, and who had reached on singles during his last two at bats. Hoss swung at the first pitch and missed. He fouled off the next pitch. Then with an 0-2 count, he drove the ball up the middle for a game winning single, scoring Thompson from second base.

With a season ending record of 18 wins and 15 losses, STM bowed out of the Regionals with a gutsy, never quit effort that fell just a little short. Dan Murphy had his best batting performance of the season going 4 for 4 at the plate, scoring twice and driving in two runs. Senior Clayton Reiser was 3 for 4, scoring once and driving in one. Senior Kyle Pellum was 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored and a double. And, Tyler Schweighart was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a triple.

Schweighart was tagged with the loss and Magsamen claimed the win for the Sages.

Jim Nogle
STM Baseball

It was a beautiful evening to start the IHSA Regional games hosted at STM. Volunteers have put in a tremendous amount of time, work, and energy preparing the field and the grounds for the event. With the first game rained out on Tuesday, the entire schedule has been backed up one day. Tonight, STM played Judah.

Sporting new bright yellow team jerseys, the STM Sabers took to the field with popular assistant coach Lindy Loschen back in the dug out. Clayton Reiser was called on for the start and faced Lee Bergfield from Judah. The STM defense supporting Clayton had Dylan Ray behind the plate, Rear at 1st, Dane Krone at Second, Kyle Pellum at Short, Tyler Sullivan at third, Jeff Nogle in left field, Joey Parkhill in center field, and Dan Murphy in right.

Judah led off with Jason Peterson who managed a base hit to the right side. He advanced to second on a wild pitch, but was erased on a fielder’s choice rundown which went short – third – second – and to the pitcher for the tag out. The next two batters were retired.

STM, started their half of the inning with a hit batter, giving Parkhill first base in exchange for a bruise. Nogle laid down a sac bunt, moving Parkhill to second. With one out Clayton Reiser tripled scoring Parkhill. Schweighart then scored when Ray reached first on an error at third. Score at the end of one: STM 2, Judah 0.

In the second, Resier faced only three batters, thanks to a quick unassisted double play by Jim Rear. The lead off batter had singled and reached first. The next batter flew out to right field, and the third batter, Gilmartin hit a line shot right down the first base line. Rear caught the liner, and stepped on first doubling off the base runner (Miller) who was only a step or two off. STM had more success in the second managing three hits…. singles from Rear and Kyle Pellum and a double from Jeff Nogle. Rear and Pellum both crossed the plate with RBI going to Nogle and Murphy. At the end of two, STM: 4, Judah 0.

The third inning saw four Judah Tribe batters come to the plate. Kopp led off with a hit by pitch, and advanced to third on a single by the ninth batter, Stone. However, Kopp was picked off third for the first out of the inning. The next two batters went out 6-3, and F6 leaving Stone stranded. In the bottom of three, Clayton Reiser and Dylan Ray led off with back to back singles, and Reiser scored on Ray’s hit. At the end of three: STM 5, Judah 0.

On to the fourth which saw Judah go down 1 – 2 – 3 and Bergfield face only 4 Sabers in the bottom. It was a scoreless inning for both sides.

In the 5th inning, an error allowed Judah’s Gilmartin to reach with just one out. A single moved him to second and a walk to third. He then scored on Jason Peterson’s fielder’s choice, making the score 5 to 1. In the bottom of the 5th, STM came back with a towering lead off home run by Clayton Reiser. The ball was driven high and deep, and completely fooled the center and left fielders, who moved in looking up for the ball. When it landed well past the 360 mark beyond the fence, the umpires (who might have been fooled as well) correctly called it a home run. Also in the inning Joe Palazzolo, Jim Rear, and Kyle Pellum had base hits, with Palazzolo and Rear both scoring. At the end of 5, the score was now STM 8 and Judah 1.

Judah managed one more run, scoring it in the 6th inning. Andrew Pihl reached on a single, and scored on Jarrett’s 5-3 ground out. To match this run, in the bottom half, Tyler Schweighart hit to the fence in right field for a triple. The relay from right field almost caught Tyler as he over slid the base, but scrambled back just in time. Tyler then scored when Brendan Clifford, running for Reiser, was tossed out trying to steal.

The game ended at 6:15 with the score: STM 9 and Judah 2.

Offensively for the Sabers: Jeff Nogle 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI, Tyler Schweighart 1 for 4 with a triple, Clayton Reiser, 3 for 3, with 2 RBI and a triple and a home run, Dylan Ray 1 for 4, Joe Palazzolo 1 for 1, Jim Rear 2 for 3 with an RBI, Kyle Pellum 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Dan Murphy 1 for 3 with an RBI. STM managed a total of 12 hits, while fanning 6 times. They had one home run (Reiser). For Judah, Peterson was 2 for 4, Pilh was 1 for 3, Miller was 2 for 3, Kopp was 1 fo 1, and Stone was 1 for 2.

Clayton Reiser pitched 7 innings going the distance. he gave up 7 hits, walked 2, gave up two runs (only 1 earned), and struck out 1. For Judah, Lee Berfield pitched 6 innings, giving up 9 runs on 12 hits. He walked no one, struck out 6, and gave up one home run.

With the victory, the St. Thomas More Sabers advance to play on Friday against Monticello. See you at the field on Friday!

Jim Nogle
STM Baseball

The regular season ended in a flurry for STM, and this Blog has gotten pretty far behind. I’ll do my best to catch things up.

May 7th, East Central (previously known and shown as Heritage on the schedule) came to Champaign to play the Sabers. Freshman Zach Johnson, one of the many talented young Sabers was given the opportunity to start the game. Zach had a good start and held them scoreless for the first two innings, but in the 3rd, E.C. had a big inning. They capitalized on a couple of walks and two Saber errors and scored 6. But, Zach maintained his composure and came back in the 4th and 5th innings allowing just one more run in each frame. Joey Parkhill was then called in at the start of the 6th to finish the game. Joey held them scoreless in the 6th, and then game up two in the 7th.

Offensiely, the Sabers couldn’t match the EC bats. Though they jumped to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, they didn’t score again until the 5th, when they crossed two runs, and just one in the 7th. Final score: East Central 10, STM 4.

Nogle had the only extra base hit, a double, and he scored the first run. Tyler Schweighart was the only Saber with more than one hit, he was 2 for 4, and crossed the plate twice. Kyle Pellum was one for 4 and scored a run.

Pitching: Zach Johnson: 5 innings, 11 hits, 8 runs (6 earned), 3 walks, 7 Ks, and Zach gave up one home run. Joey Parkhill; 2 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 4 alks, 3 Ks,

SENIOR DAY, May 8th:Watseka at STM: Back on a winning note, STM had one of its best offensive outputs of the season with a 13 run output against the Warriors from Watseka. Clayton Reiser went the distance for the Sabers, giving up 11 hits, 7 runs (6 earned), just 2 walks, with 8 strike outs. Offensively, STM recorded 10 hits. Jim Rear had perhaps his best batting day of his high school career going 4 for 4, with 3 RBI, 2 runs scored, a double and a home run! Dylan Ray was 3 for 4 with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored and a home run. Tyler Sullivan had a double and 3 RBI.

Final Score: STM 13, Watseka 7 (Photos below provided by Bill Rear)

May 9th, Judah at STM: At the end of the season, with Regionals almost here, teams are juggling their pitching staffs and focusing on the more important regional games. So, it is hard to judge a team by just one game. We know that Judah has beaten some good teams…so our victory in 5 innings by the slaughter rule, should not make us over confident. This team is our first regional opponent and they will likely have a stronger pitcher on the mound.

In the 11 to 1 route, the Sabers managed 12 hits, which included 4 triples! Tyle Schweighart, who has been swinging a hot bat, was 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored and one of the triples. Dylan Ray, also hot, was 3 for 4 with two runs scored and a triple. Dyan also had a team high 4 RBI. Dan Murphy had 2 RBI with a double. Dane Krone picked up the win, with 5 innings pitched, 1 run (not earned) only 2 hits, and 1 walk. He struck out 1.

Final Score: STM 11 and Judah 1

May 10th: STM traveled to Watseka for the return game of the series. Trent Richardson was given the start and pitched well throught he first three innings, holding the Warriors scoreless, while his offesense supported him with three runs—one in the first from Parkhill who reached on a single and scored on Dylan Ray’s single, and again Parkhill in the 3rd. He reached on a double this time and scored on Resiser’s single. Tyle Schweighart reached on a walk in the third advanced to third base on Clayton’s single, and scored on an error by the catcher. At the end of three the score was STM 3, Watseka 0.

But in the 4th Watseka picked up a run to reduce the margin to 2, and in the 5th, they took the lead scoring 3 runs. Trent was relieved, with the score 4 to 3 with one out. Dane Krone came in and got the next two batters on ground outs to end the inning. But, in the 6th inning, after getting a quick fly out to center field, Dane uncharacteristically walked the next two batters. Nick Thompson then came in to relieve Dane, with one out. He quickly got the second out with a fly to right, but the next two batters stroked a triple and a double. Three runs scored in the sixth. The score was now 7 to 3 in favor of Watseka, and that is how the game ended as STM was unable to score in the top of the 7th.

The Sabers managed 7 hits, with Joey Parkhill claiming 3 in a 3 for 4 performance with two runs scored and a double. Reiser, Ray, and Richardson all claimed one single each.

Pitching: Richardson 4 1/3 innings with 4 runs (3 earned), 5 walks, 1 K. Krone: 1 inning, with 0 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 2 walks, 0 strike outs. Thompson 2/3 of an inning pitched, 1 run, 0 walks, 0 strikeouts.

May 11th: STM at Bismark. This game began with a broken down bus on I74. Players began calling parents who were already on the road but many miles behind the bus… soon help arived, players and gear were transferred to pick up trucks and SUVs and STM ended up car pooling into Bismark. The host team and umpires were understanding and held things up long enough for the team to get organized and get a brief practice in…. Coach Rear no doubt would have prefered a little more time to warm up, but all in all they were very accomodating.

This game could be called the game of bad hops. Several times the Sabers were positioned to make an easy out, but dramatic and weird hops in the infield sent the ball flying in another direction. It seemed to only happen to the Sabers, making them think twice about the meaning of a home field advantage!

Tyler Schweighart started the game and had good support from his offesne early. STM jumped out to a 2 to 0 lead over Bismark through the second inning. In the top of the 3rd, STM added a third run, but it was answered by Bismark with 2 in the bottom half. Entering the 4th inning, STM lead three to two and picked up a fourth run in the top. But, in the bottom of 4, Tyler gave up a consecutive double, single, and single, and was relieved with no one out by Tyler Brown. Brown came in and picked up to quick strikeouts, but gave up a pair of singles before getting the final 4-3 ground out to end the inning. Now Bismark led the game 6 to 4 and did not relinquish the lead and added another run in the 5th. STM did manage to score again in the 7th, adding two runs, making it close. The final: STM 6, Bismarck 7.

Offensive: Joey Parkhill continues to stroke the ball well, gong 2 for 2 with a double and 2 runs scored. Clayton Resier was 2 for 3 with a run scored and 2 RBI, Dan Murphy, Dylan Ray, and Joe Palazzolo each had an RBI

Pitching: Tyle Schweighart pitched 3 innings annd gave up 6 hits, 5 earned runs and struck out 1. Tyler Brown pitched 3 innings in relief, gave up 5 hits, 2 runs (1 earned) and fanned 3.

Now it is on to Regionals…. with the the Tuesday game looking very iffy weather wise. If it is rained out, the schedule will be backed up one day.

Jm Nogle
STM Baseball

The Redskins from Momence travelled the long haul to Champaign, Saturday morning for an early, 9:30 a.m., double header against the STM Sabers. It was a perfect day for baseball at the home field!

The first game went down as STM’s quickest game of the year (just 1 hour 15 minutes), with Tyler Schweighart earning an efficient seven inning 4 to 1 win. Tyler made only 79 pitches, facing 25 batters. He walked only one, recorded 5 Ks, and gave up just 2 hits. It was a great performance for the right handed sophomore. This game could have been a shutout, but a walk, hit batter, and an error combined to allow one run to cross the plate.

Pitchers also need their team to score runs, or their efforts on the mound will be wasted. The Sabers managed only three hits against talented pitching, but two of those hits were Home Runs! Clayton Reiser blasted the first homer in the second inning, scoring Scwheighart who had just doubled. Clayton’s moon shot easily cleared the center of the scoreboard in left field! In the next inning, Dylan Ray reached on a lead off error and scored on Jim Rear’s two run blast over the 360 mark in left center. That was the extent of the Saber’s offense—a double and two homers, but it was enough, as STM won the first game 4 to 1.

In the second game, Nick Thompson started in place of Trent Richardson who had not arrived yet, due to an important family event. Trent obviously was not expecting such a short first game. Nick pitched the first 3 1/3 innings, giving up 4 hits, one earned run, one walk, and struck out 1. He was relieved in the 4th, by Trent Richardson. Trent pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up just 3 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 5 and allowed no runs to cross. With the score tied, Dane Krone came in and pitched 4 1/3 innings, walked 3, struck out 4, while allowing no one to score. This was quite a team pitching performance! 13 combined innings and just one run scored!

The Redskins also had a great pitching performance. Number 5 for Momence, Sain, held the mound for 12 innings, making 176 pitches, and fanning 15 Sabers. He allowed only one run to score before being relieved by Grevenstock. In the bottom of the 13th, Grevenstock gave up a lead off base hit to Reiser. Next up, Parkhill, laid down a sac bunt, moving Reiser to 2nd. Ray was then hit by a pitch (his second for the day). With runners on first and second, Zack Johnson, in as a pinch hitter for Brendan Clifford, hit a slow grounder to the right side. The first basemen, fielded the ball, and overthrew the second baseman covering first. Reiser, who was rounding third on the grounder, was able to walk in for the winning run.

The game went 3 hours and 10 minutes, and made for a long day of baseball for both teams. This game was one of those that you hate to see won (or lost) on an error. Sain, a sophomore, pitched an amazing 12 innings and showed composure and maturity on the mound. It was a long but solid defensive game. Momence made some outstanding diving plays in the outfield and the Sabers played 13 innings of strong, error free, defense.

STM, collected 7 hits, and 4 walks, en route to the 2 to 1 victory. Tyler Schweighart was 3 for 6, with 3 singles, and Reiser, Parkhill, Pellum, and Sullivan all managed one hit. Krone picked up his 6th win agains just one loss. Sain, recieved no decision for his 176 pitch count effort.

This moves the Sabers to 15 wins against 11 losses, with 6 straight wins! Since April 15th, the Sabers are 11 and 3!

The calendar is full of games next week. See you at the ball park.

(Photos courtesy of Chuck Sullivan.)

Jim Nogle
STM Varsity Baseball

It was another exciting finish for the Sabers and another great high school baseball game.

The Sabers met Clifton Central for the second time this week, this time on the Saber’s home turf. A win would make it 4 in a row and move the Sabers 2 games above 500!

Clayton Reiser took the mound to face the Rockets, and allowed the first batter to reach on a single. This was NOT and indicator of how the game would go, however. The runner did advance on two stolen bases and took the plate on a passed ball, but this would be the ONLY run that Clifton Central would score. Clayton held them scoreless through the next five innings and struck out 14! In the top of the 7th, with one out, Nick Thompson came in to relieve Clayton. Nick was throwing some serious heat and he got the first batter with a strike out and coaxed the last batter to ground out to third baseman, Joe Palazzolo. It was a great short relief performance and Nick preserved the win for Reiser and earned a save.

Offensively, the Sabers struggled to get runners aboard and across the plate, and trailed in the game 1 to 0 through the first 4 innings. In the 5th, however, Dylan Ray reached on his second consecutive single, advancing to second as the ball was mishandled by he left fielder. Dylan then advanced to third on a fielders choice, and scored on Jeff Nogle’s fielder’s choice to second base. The game was tied after five. In the sixth, Joey Parkhill hit a two out single past the short stop and then stole second base. Trent Richardson, pinch hitting for Murphy, drew a walk which brought up Dylan Ray. Dylan, now out of his mid season batting slump, has been hot He stroked his third straight single scoring Parkhill from second base. The inning came to an end as Richardson was tagged out at third trying to grab one base too many. Parkhill’s run turned out to be the winning score.

The game ended with some excitement. In the top of the 7th (STM leading 2 to 1), Reiser retired the first batter on strikes. But, the second batter hit a ground rule double over the left field fence. With the tying run in scoring position, Coach Rear elected to bring in Nick Thompson. Nick sent the next man to the bench on strikes, but the last batter put the ball into play. It was a slow hopper on the left side of the infield. Joe Palazzolo charged the ball, fielded it, and while still running tossed the ball to Rear at first base. The runner, recognizing that it was do or die, was giving it all that he had and made the play very close. But the umpire was firm and quick with his call, and declared the runner out and game over. The opposing coach had words with the umpires, and as the argument subsided and they turned away from each other, a Clifton Central player crossed the line, using inappropriate language in criticizing the umpire. It was not this young man’s brightest move, and he will probably be required by IHSA rules to sit out the next game!

Emotions can run high, and the point of this commentary is certainly not to criticize this young man, but instead to compliment our own players for never embarrassing our coaches, team, or school.

Dylan Ray was 3 for 3 with the game winning RBI. Nogle, Schweighart, and Parkhill also had singles. Reiser picked up the win giving up one two runs (1 earned), 5 hits, 2 walks, and 14 strike outs. Nick Thompson pitched the final two outs, earned the save, and gave up no hits, and struck out one.

Saturday, STM has an early double header against Momence at STM. The first game begins at 9:30 a.m. See you there.

Jim Nogle
STM Varsity Baseball

The Sabers only had to travel across the parking lot for tonight’s game, a welcomed change from the recent string of road competitions. It was the Saber’s turn to host the Iroquis West team from Gilman.

Dane Krone was given the start opportunity, and he made the most of it, facing only 10 batters in the first three innings! In the 4th, Dane gave up three singles and one run, but that was the last runner he would allow to cross the plate. He only allowed 6 base runners all game long, scattering 5 hits and 1 walk. He struck out 9, going the distance for STM.

Offensively, Dylan Ray led the Sabers with a 3 for 3 performance at the plate, stroking three singles and scoring once. Tyler Schweighart helped his average as well, going 2 for 3. Other hits came from Nogle (1 for 1 with a walk), Jim Rear 1 for 3, and Dane Krone 1 for 2. Jeff Nogle came out of the game in the 4th inning with a ham string pull, and Tyler Sullivan came in to play second base. In the 6th, Tyler had a nice deep sac fly to score Dylan Ray. Jeff says that he will be ready to play by Thursday evening.

Defensively, the Sabers were solid. They made some good plays and ended the game with a zero in the error box! Errors have definitely been trending down, as the defensive positions have been solidified and the right people are playing in the right places.

For the Raiders, the starting pitcher (Fink) went 5 innings, and gave up 7 hits and 5 runs. Randal came in to relieve him and pitched the 6th. Two more runs scored on one hit. Combined, they gave up 8 hits, 7 runs (5 earned), and they fanned 6 Sabers.

With the final score of 7 to 1, the Sabers move above 500 and prepare to face Clifton Central at the friendly confines of Saber Field.

Please note that the Friday game has been cancelled.

Tuesday, May 1st:

It was back up Rt. 57 again, this time all of the way up to Clifton Central. Veteran score keeper and statistician Jed Bunyan was kind enough to fill in for me and make the long trip to track scoring on the Palm Pilot. So, this report is made with the aid of the score sheets and a few live accounts of the game that I picked up via cell phone (thanks to Don Ray).

The Sabers drew first blood, scoring three runs in the second inning thanks to five singles. They added a 4th run in the 3rd on a Double by Reiser and a two base error by the short stop.. Clifton Central came back in the bottom of 3 to score one run, and both teams scored a run in the 5th inning, with the STM run comming from a second Reiser double and a single by Schweighart. The score remained 5 to 2 until the bottom of the 7th.

Don Ray described the final three outs as some of the most exciting STM play he has seen in his two years following the varsity team. With the game on the line, and with starter Trent Richardson out of gas, Dane Krone took the mound in relief. The situation he inherited was; one out, with runners at 1st and 3rd. The tying run was at first and the winning run was coming to the plate. On his second pitch, the runner on 1st base broke for second in an attempted steal. Dylan Ray dug the pitch out of the dirt and came up firing. Apparently anticipating a fake throw to second, and a pick off attempt at 3rd, the runner at 3rd base held. But, Ray through a strike to Nogle covering second. According to Don Ray, the ball, the runner, and Jeff met at the same instant just on the first base side of second. In a cloud of dust, the runner toppled Nogle, who popped up out of the cloud, showed the ball in the glove to the umpire and promptly threw to Palazzolo covering third, almost catching the runner there. The runner was out at second, and on the next pitch, the batter grounded out to Palazzolo for an easy 5-3 out to end the game. Krone faced only one batter, got two outs, and earned the save. Richardson collected the win.

Offensively, the Sabers collected 8 hits. Reiser was 2 for 2 with a double. Schweighart was 2 for 4, and Nogle, Rear, Parkhill, and Richardson each had one hit apiece. Richardson pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up 3 runs, 6 hits, and 3 walks. Trent fanned 10 batters. Krone, faced only one batter, but earned the save.

So the Sabers move back to a .500 record and prepare to meet Iroquois West on Wednesday and Clifton Central on Thursday, both at STM’s home field.

Jim Nogle
STM Varsity Baseball

On Monday, April 30th, the Sabers were on the road again. This time the Raiders of Iroquois West was hosting in Gilman, IL. The field there was a dusty, all skin, infield. The wind blew in from left field, favoring those hitting towards the relatively short right field fence.

STM grabbed an early one run lead in the second, when Joey Parkhill reached on an error at second, stole second base, and scored on Dan Murphy’s single. In the 5th, Trent Richardson reached on a single, advanced on a error at first, and then to third on a single by Nogle. Pellum then drove im in with a deep sac fly to center field.

But the Raiders came back in the bottom of the firth to tie the game, 2 – 2. Tyler Schweighart gave up his only walk of the game with one out, then coaxed a fly out to right field. That brough up the lead off batter, Coleman, who launched a fly ball just over the right field fence for a two out, two run homer.

In the top of the sixth inning, the Sabers scored two more, as consecutively Parkhill singled, Murphy doubled, Richardson doubled, Ray singled, and Nogle singled…. all after two outs. Parkhill and Murphy scored the two runs with RBIs going to Murphy and Richardson.

In the bottom of the frame, Iroquois West came back with one more run, bringing the score to 4 to 3 in favor of the Sabers. Neither team scored in the 7th, and the game ended up with STM winning by one run.

Most notably, this was an error free win for the Sabers, and yours truly made good on a team pizza party at Monicals. It is always a pleasure to watch your team play error free! Nogle, Parkhill, and Richardson were all 2 for 3 and Murphy was 2 for 4. Richardson and Murphy both had doubles. STM had a total of 9 hits and left 10 runners stranded. Defensively, Tyle Schweighart had a good game, going the distance giving up 3 runs on just 6 hits. He fanned 9 batters and walked only one.

Jim Nogle
Varsity Baseball

Saturday, the STM Sabers were in Downs, IL to face the Saints from Bloomington Central Catholic and the Tri-Valley Vikings. The first game (against the Saints) was an excellent high school baseball game. Those who love the sport of baseball, appreciate a game with few errors.. and this game was error free (for both sides). Unfortunately for the Sabers, they fell short at the plate, managing only 2 runs on 4 hits. The Saints scored 5 on 7 hits.

Clayton Reiser pitched the first 5 innings giving up 4 runs on 6 hits with 6 strike outs and 6 walks. Nick Thompson came on in relief, pitching the 6th inning. he gave up 1 hit and 1 run.

Offensively, Senior Kyle Pellum lead the Sabers going 2 for 2 with a walk, a double, and a solo home run… his first career round tripper. Nogle was 1 for 2 with a walk, and Tyler Schweighart reached on a single. That was about all of the offense that the Sabers could manage against a solid BCC team.

In the second game, against the host Vikings, Coach Rear took the opportunity to give some playing time to some of the younger players on the team. With several players freshly up from JV, bolstering the roster in preparation for IHSA Regionals, Coach wanted to give them a chance to play at the varsity level and see how they performed.

Playing time is one of the most difficult issues that a varsity level coach has to deal with, and balancing defensive skill, offensive potential, maturity, seniority, attitude, development, etc. is more difficult than most observers recognize. Ideally, most of the player development should occur on the Freshman and JV squads, before moving up to varsity. Once reaching varsity, however, there is still quite an adjustment to be made. The game against Tri-Valley proved to be an illustration of this point.

Dane Krone, sporting a great 4 – 0 record with 2 saves, took the mound for the Sabers. He did not have his usual battery mate (Dylan Ray) and the supporting cast playing behind him was distinctly different. Starting the game defensively for STM were: Luke Kriegel at catcher, Tyler Sullivan was at 2nd, Brendan Clifford at 3rd, David Boudreau in Center, and Zack Johnson in Right. Usual starters Clayton Reiser (left), Kyle Pellum (short), and Jim Rear (first) did start, but Reiser and Rear were soon benched to bring in Tyler Schweighart and Trent Richardson. As the game progressed, some of the positions changed, as Johnson, Parkhill and Boudreau came in to pitch. Mack Meyer entered for a 5th inning atbat.

The Vikings capitalized on the youthful defensive deployment, and outs were hard to come by. Tri-Valley brought 31 batters to the plate over just 5 innings, and they scored 16 runs on 15 hits and three official STM errors. This was not a conference game, however, and seedings for the IHSA tournament have already been established. It was painful to watch from behind the fence—I think for both sides—but the experience for the younger players is important. Some got their first taste of varsity level play. The coaches learned what to work on as they prepare the team for the playoffs.

Offensively, STM had only 3 hits: one from David Boudreau, a double from Jim Rear (on his 18th birthday!), and a single from Clayton Reiser. Only three other Sabers reached—on two walks and an error.

Monday the team travels to Gilman to meet Iroquis West (no school day).

Jim Nogle
Varsity Baseball

On an absolutely beautiful Saturday for baseball, STM traveled to Colfax to face Ridge View. Soph. Dane Krone, who usually plays the role of the ace reliever, was given a rare start, and he made the most of it. Dane faced just 19 batters enroute to a 5 inning 17 to 1 route.

STM batted 37, racking up 16 hits and fanning only once. With some players at the JV game, coach Rear was pleased to play the remaining bench early. Standouts for STM were: Jim Rear 2 for 4 with a 2 run homer and three RBI, Clayton Reiser 2 for 4 with 3 RBI, Kyle Pellum 2 for 3 with 3 RBI, Dan Murphy 2 for 2 and 2 RBI, Jeff Nogle 2 for 3 with 2 RBI, and Joey Parkhill 2 for 4 with 1 RBI. Dane Krone collected the win, and gave up only 1 run on 4 hits with just 1 walk. He struck out 8.

For Ridge View Ghere was charged with the loss, giving up 13 runs on 13 hits and one walk. The lone run for Ridge View came in the third inning. Heimer reached on a one out single, and scored on a single by the pitcher, Ghere. Ghere was then thrown out by Ray, as he attempted to steal third.

Next game is Monday home against Fisher at a slightly earlier start: 4:15.

Collum, located between Ashkum and Pontiac is a long drive for a baseball game! This small, out of the way, town, has a nice field in the shadow of large grain bins. The Tri Point school must draw from a large area, as there are more kids on the team than there are streets in the town!

This was the third game this week for the Chargers, and their pitching staff was pretty well spent. Coach Rear has been wanting to get playing time for his bench. He got his chance this evening, and made it hard on those of us trying to keep the books and statistics! Substitutions started early and everyone got in the game for STM, including new to the team (up from J.V.) Mack Meyer.

Clayton Reiser went the distance for the Sabers, helping his own cause with a 4 for 5 performance at the plate and 5 RBI! Jim Rear was 2 for 3. The Sabers accumulated 16 hits in 6 innings. They scored 14 runs, against 4 from Tri Point.

Clayton struck out 12, walked 5 and gave up 6 hits and collected the win, taking the STM Sabers to 7 and 8.

The next game is at 10:00 a.m. this Saturday in Ridgview (game two of the double header has been cancelled—this will be a single game). Please make note of the change in the start time.

Jim Nogle
STM Varsity Baseball

I think it would be great if some of the members of the baseball team would take a crack at writing game reports for the team blog. Jeff has promised to write one or two, when he gets a break on his homework assignments. Are there any other players out there willing to contribute an article? Perhaps extra credit could be negotiated with a teacher!? I know that writings from the players would be valued far more than what I have been posting.

Similarly, it would be great to have some photos. My camera (when I have time to use it) does OK for close ups, but is inadequate for on field action. If anyone has a more capable digital camera, it would be great to have more images to share. The yearbook is always asking for action photos too…. any assistance you can provide would be great. Just drop me an email.

Along with this post you will find a number of photos from the last few weeks. Click on “View More” to see captions… click on the image to enlarge.

Jim Nogle
STM Varsity Baseball

Tri Point Chargers made the long drive to Champaign today to face the Sabers on STM’s field. They came searching for their first win while Coach Rear and his staff had hoped for an early lead. Coach Rear’s plan, after achieving a lead, was to afford some playing time to the patient and deserving Sabers on the bench. But, the Charger’s were not going to be very accommodating of this plan.

In the first inning, Tri Point demonstrated that they should not be taken lightly. Tyler Schweighart gave up a lead off base hit and then a walk before recording the first out of the game with a strike out. Tyler eventually fanned two more, but not before 8 Chargers batted, and four runs scored! Only two of these runs were earned as the Saber’s defence helped the Chargers with two errors in the inning. In the bottom half, STM went down 1 – 2 – 3.

That first inning woke up the Sabers. They clawed their way back into the game retiring the next 9 Chargers while scoring two runs in each of the next three innings. They turned the four run deficit into a 6-4 lead. In the fifth, the Chargers loaded the bases with no one out and scored one run, before Dane Krone came in to relieve Schweighart. Krone did another great job in a tight jam. He only faced two batters and retired the side—thanks to the help from a Ray to Palazzolo tag on an attempted theft of third. But, another run did cross the plate to tie the game at 6.

The sixth inning went scoreless for both teams. Tri Point threatened in the top of the 7th, with a single and a double and runners on second and third. But Krone left them stranded with a clutch strike out. Now, the Sabers could win it in the bottom of the seventh. They just need one run to cross the plate.

Jeff Nogle came to bat with one out. He drew a walk and the potential winning run was now aboard. Coach Rear called upon speedster Tyler Sullivan to pinch run for Jeff. Kyle Pellum was up next, but the Charger pitcher (Wright), with 125 pitches in the books, still had some gas left. Kyle went down swinging for the second out, but not before Sullivan stole second. It was now up to Jim Rear.. One a 0-1 pitch, Jimmy made hard contact and drove the ball deep into the right field gap for the game winning base hit (double)! Final score: STM 7 Tri Point 6

Chargers: 6 runs on 7 hits, 3 walks, one double. Wright went the distance picking up the loss. He gave up 11 hits, two of which were doubles, 2 walks, and he fanned 5.

STM: 7 runs on 11 hits, with 2 walks. The struck out 5 times. Schweighart (no decision) pitched 4 innings giving up 4 earned runs, 3 walks, and struck out 6. Krone, in relief, picked up the win and pitched 3 innings, giving up 3 hits and collecting 4 strike outs. He walked no one.

Offensively, Nogle was 2 for 2 with 2 walks. Parkhill and Rear were both 2 for 4. Murphy, Ray, Reiser, Richardson, and Pellum each had one hit.

Thursday, the Sabers drive up to Cullom to face the same team on their field.

Jim Nogle
STM Baseball

The Sabers hosted the Unity Rockets on a clear, but cool evening at STM’s home field. 

This was another pitcher’s duel—this time Trent Richardson facing Unity’s Stierwalt. With only four total hits in the game there is not a lot of offense to report about. The game winner came early in the contest—in the second inning. Clayton Reiser led off with fly ball to right field that got lost in the sun…. it dropped for a single. Trent Richardson then moved him to second on a 6-3 ground out. Jeff Nogle, next at the plate and with a 1-1 count, was summoned to a conference with third base coach Lindy Loschen. Loschen set up a fake bunt and steal. On the next pitch, Nogle squared showing bunt, which pulled the 3rd baseman in. Reiser then easily stole the unguarded third base. The plan worked perfectly. With Clayton now on third, Loschen verbally commanded Nogle, 90 feet away: “Do your job, hit to the right side”. Jeff did just that, batting in the only run of the game. This was a good example of excellent on field coaching!

Trent pitched a superb game, fanning 11 batters with only three walks and NO hits. The Sabers stranded 4 Rocket runners and committed only one error. 

Stierwalt also pitched a great game. He gave up only four hits and struck out 8. He walked no one.

Offensively, Reiser, Pellum, Parkhill, and Rear accounted for the four base hits. Once again, Joey Parkhill used great speed to turn a bunt into a single! 

The Sabers move to 5 and 8 and face Tri Point on Tuesday at home. See you there!

Jim Nogle
STM Varsity Baseball

The schedule this year calls for STM to play conference teams twice during the same week. This format helps assure that each team will face different starting pitchers. This is a good system, making the season record comparison more meaningful and helpful for tournament seeding.

Having played CPCI on Tuesday, and then having the Thursday game weathered out, the schools agreed to make the game up on Friday. Our scheduled game with cross town rival, Judah, was therefore rescheduled. Athletic Director, Dan Hennessey, noted that every effort will be made to makeup scheduled conference games, however, non-conference competitions that have been cancelled due to weather, will probably not be rescheduled—(Judah being an exception). There just isn’t room on the calendar to get that done. This year has been worse than most, but it is not unusual to lose games off the schedule due to weather. That is one reason why our trip to Disney was so valuable.

So, the team was in Cissna Park on Friday, with a goal of squaring the record with the Timberwolves. The weather cooperated, affording a cool but very playable evening for baseball. The players were treated to CPCI’s beautiful and well groomed field, with wide foul territories on both side. Clayton Reiser was on the mound for the Sabers and Focken pitched for the Timberwolves.

After a scoreless first inning, the game came to life in the 2nd. Jeff Nogle was the first of eight batters to come to the plate in the top of the second. Nogle reached on a walk and scored on Jim Rear’s single. Brendan Clifford, who reached on a two base error, was thrown out at the plate trying to score behind Nogle. Jim Rear and Joe Palazzolo (hit by pitch) scored the 2nd and 3rd runs thanks to Dylan Ray’s deep double to left center. And, Ray crossed the plate on a double by Clayton Reiser for the 4th run. In the bottom, the Timberwolves answered, scoring the first three batters.

After the flurry of scoring in the second, the third and fourth innings passed with no one crossing the plate for either side—even though CPCI loaded the bases in the 3rd. Reiser pitched himself out of a jam, fanning the left fielder for the third out.

In the top of the fifth, Clayton Reiser led off for the Sabers. On a 1-0 pitch he drove the ball deep and over the left field fence for the first round tripper of the Saber’s season! The solo homer increased the Saber’s lead to 5 -3. But the lead was not to last long. CPCI came back in the bottom half of the frame, with two doubles and a single, scoring two runs to tie the game at 5 each.

The sixth inning saw the Sabers go down 1 – 2 – 3 while the home team managed two more runs. They got started with their lead off hitter reaching on an error (eventually scoring) and the next man moving him to second with a single. Reiser was then relieved by Dane Krone, who gave up two singles before coaxing three consecutive fly outs to center, right, and left fields.

Now, down by two runs, with only three outs left, the Sabers found themselves in a corner. With the top of the order leading off, the Sabers were optimistic. Dylan Ray popped out to a deep short, but with one out Dan Murphy came through with a single. CPCI moved Siebert to the mound from first base. Clayton Reiser advanced Murphy to scoring position on a 4-3 ground out, bringing Trent Richardson to the plate with two outs. Trent managed a single, scoring Murphy, and moving the Sabers to just one run back! But, STM couldn’t manage another base runner and the game ended CPCI 7 and STM 6.

Ray went 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI. Reiser was 3 for 4 with 2 RBI, a double and a home run. Ricardson and Murphy were each 1 for 4 and Jim Rear was 1 for 3, with an RBI. The Sabers managed a total of 8 hits and left 5 on base. Reiser was charged with the loss, with 5 runs and 6 hits. He fanned 2, walked 4, and hit one batter. Krone, in relief, faced 5 batters. He gave up two hits, no walks, and had no strike outs. Defensively, the Sabers made three errors.

CPCI had 7 runs on 8 hits with 3 errors. They stranded 8. Focken, who claimed the win, gave up 7 hits and one walk with 6 strike outs. Siebert in relief, earned the save, and faced just three batters and gave up one hit.

Jim Nogle
STM Varsity Baseball

The later we go into spring the colder it gets! The CPCI Timber Wolves came to STM field on Tuesday just as the skies went overcast. The temperature may have been in the low 50s, but the wind affect made it considerably colder… even in the dugout.

This game turned out to be a great pitching duel. STM’s Trent Richardson vs. Maurer of CPCI. The game began with no score in the first. In the second, CPCI managed one run on a base on balls, a balk, and a timely single. In the third, STM answered and tied the game with single by Jeff Nogle and a sacrifice fly by Kyle Pellum, scoring Nogle.

The game remained tied into the top of the 7th. CPCI’s lead off batter reached on an error. The runner advanced on a ground out and then stole third—and on that play, a couple of STM errors combined to allow him to score. The Sabers went into the bottom of the seventh down, 2 to 1. Maurer, still pitching for the Timber Wolves, got two quick outs with a 6-3 ground out and a strike out. That brought Trent Richardson to the plate. The two pitchers, who battled all game long, were facing each other, 60 feet apart. Trent was not going to go down easily—he had worked too hard, throwing 115 pitches. The count went full, and then Richardson drove one deep to left field. He coasted into 2nd base with a double! But the Hollywood ending fell short, and Trent was stranded at second as the game ended on a strike out.

Outside of the defensive errors that have been plaguing the Sabers of late, this was a good hard fought high school ball game. Trent certainly deserved a better outcome after his seven innings of hard work on the mound. He gave up just one earned run, booked 8 strikeouts and scattered 6 hits. He walked only two. STM committed 5 errors, three in the final inning.

Offensively, STM struggled against Maurer who also went the distance. They managed just one run and three hits: Nogle with a single (scored), Parkhill with a single – again showing good speed as he beat out another ball in the infield, and Trent’s seventh inning double. To his credit, Maurer fanned 12 and walked no one.

The Sabers get another crack at the Timber Wolves on Thursday, weather permitting… this time on their home field.

Jim Nogle
STM Baseball

The Sabers traveled to Monticello on Monday to meet the 7 and 1 Sages. According to their coach, their great start is due in part to a strong pitching staff. He reported that they have 5 strong starters and 3 relief pitchers.

The game began shortly after 4 p.m., under partly sunny but cold skies… game time temperature was in the mid 40s, but the windchill was in the 30s. Cameron Magsamen took the mound for Monticello. In the first, the Sabers came up short, stranding Dylan Ray who reached on a lead off single. In the bottom, Monticello capitalized on back to back singles and a sac fly to score one run.

The Sabers got on the scoreboard in the third. Jim Rear reached on a lead off walk and held on to first as the next two batters struck out. Then Clayton Reiser came to the plate and drove a 1-0 pitch deep over the left fielder’s head. He slid into third with an RBI triple. This run was promptly answered by Monticello as the Sabers lost focus defensively, making two errors. Two runs were scored by the Sages in the third, and they added another in the bottom of the 4th inning. So, at the end of four, Monticello was in command with a 4 to 1 lead.

But, the 5th inning belonged to the Sabers. Lead off hitter, Dylan Ray, was the first to come to the plate. He poked a single by the third baseman and stole second. Ray then stole 3rd after Dan Murphy came to the plate, and scored on Murphy’s single up the middle. With one on and no one out, Clayton Reiser hit a routine grounder to short stop, but an error allowed Reiser to reach and Murphy (who had already stolen 2nd) to reach 3rd. Clean up hitter, Richardson, then reached on a base on balls. Still with no one out, Jeff Nogle hit to the right side for the first out, but scored Reiser and moved Richardson to 3rd. Joey Parkhill beat out a single, scoring Richardson. With one out, Schweighart lined into a 4-3 double play to end the the top half of the inning.

In the bottom of the fifth, Tyle Schweighhart faced just 4 batters, tallying his 6th and 7th strike outs. The Sages left one man stranded who reached on a lead off double.

Matching their 5th inning, the Sabers scored four more runs in the top of the 6th, with hits from Murphy, Reiser (double), and two singles from Parkhill and Kriegel. They were aided by a couple of errors, and batted all nine. In the bottom half, Dane Krone entered the game in relief of Schweighart. He fanned two and coaxed a 5-3 ground out (Reiser to Rear) to end the inning. One scored on a single off of Schewieghart and an error at short. So going in to the final inning, the Sabers are leading 9 to 5.

For the first time all day, STM went down 1 – 2 – 3, and put Krone back on the mound without much rest. He fanned the first batter, but the Sages threatened after a single, a walk, and an error. Dane hit the next batter, forcing in a run, and leaving the bases still loaded and just one out. With the winning run at the plate, the Sabers were looking for a double play to end the game. They got it. Lead off hitter, Dick, hit a line drive to Kyle Pellum who tossed to Jeff Nogle covering second, doubling up the runner on 2nd. Sabers win: 9 to 6.

For the Sabers, Joey Parkhill showed great speed, beating out two ground balls for base hits and went 3 for 4 with two RBI. Clayton Reiser was 2 for 4 with a double and a triple and 3 RBI. Dan Murphy was 2 for 4 with 2 RBI, Dylan Ray 2 for 5, Luke Kriegel posted his first hit of the season, going one for three, and Jeff Nogle had an RBI. The Sabers had 9 runs on 10 hits and left 7 men stranded. Tyle Schweighart went 5 innings, gave up 6 hits and 3 earned runs. He struck out 7 on his way to the win. Krone, earned the save, with two innings pitched giving up just one hit and one earned run.

Monticello managed 6 runs on 7 hits. The struck out 10 times and had just one extra base hit (dbl).

This was an important road win for the Sabers against a good team with great record. The Sabers need to keep swinging the bats and eliminate the errors ( they were charged with six in the game). No doubt they will do just that as they continue to improve their record which now stands at 4 and 6. See you at STM’s field on Tuesday.

Jim Nogle
STM Varsity Baseball

The Sabers, after working hard over the weekend to prepare the field for the season, opened against the visiting Cornjerkers from Hoopeston, who reported a 6-0 start. Sophomore Tyler Schweighart took the mound for the Sabers under clear skies, and a comfortable light south breeze.

To start the game, the Cornjerkers mounted a two out rally and posted two consecutive base hits to draw first blood. They scored one run before the fifth batter popped out to Jim Rear at first base to end the inning. In the bottom half, STM stranded Dan Murphy who reached with a walk.

On to the second, Scheighart retired three straight, with a strike out, a pop to Reiser at 3rd, and a 6-3 (Pellum – Rear) put out to retire the side. In the bottom , the Sabers brought seven to the plate. Nogle led off with a walk, Parkhill then reached on an error, and Pellum walked which loaded the bases. Jim Rear then came to the plate, and on a 2-1 pitch, striped one right down the third base fair line—fair by an inch. It was a base clearing stand up double! The next three batters were retired, however, and the second inning ended Hoopeston 1, STM 3.

In the third, Hoopeston added another run on 1 hit and an STM error, and in the bottom half the Sabers went down 1 – 2 – 3. End of three: Hoopeston 2, STM 3

Schweighart held the Cornjerkers in the 4th, despite a lead off double by Flynt. The runner was quickly erased at third on a heads up 1-5 tag out after a come backer to the mound (Schweighart to Reiser). The batter, Haly, reached on the fielder’s choice but was stranded at first as the next two batters both struck out swinging. In the bottom of the inning, the Sabers mounted a two out rally, with another base hit by Jim Rear, a walk by Schweighart, and a double by Dylan Ray. Score now: Cornjerkers 2 and STM 5.

The fifth inning saw two Cornjerkers cross the plate after a lead off triple by Baker, a single, and double by Hornbeck. These guys were not about to give up. But, the Sabers added to their score in the fifth as well. Reiser drew a lead off walk, advanced on a sac but by Richardson, and scored when Parkhill reached on an error—what would have been the third out. At the end of 5, Hoopeston 3 and STM 6.

After a solid performance, Tyler Schweighart was relieved in the sixth after facing one batter, who singled. Dane Krone, who is becoming the closer for the Sabers, came in with one on and nobody out. He gave up a base hit and a walk, but stranded two with no one crossing the plate. In the last half of the frame, the Sabers added two more runs after the bases were walked full. Trent Richardson came up with a clutch single, to score Dane Krone and Dylan Ray.

To end the game, Krone gave up a lead of walk, but then coaxed four consecutive outs (one reached on an error) and the final two were strike outs.

Sabers win their home opener, 8 to 5 on timely hitting. They accumulated just 4 hits, but coaxed 8 walks. 6 Sabers were left stranded. Schweighart collected the win for STM, and Dane Krone earned the save. Jim Rear went two for three with a double, Dylan Ray had a double, and Trent Richardson collected a hit.

The Cornjerkers collected 9 hits and just 3 walks but left 9 runners stranded. Matt Silver is the losing pitcher. Mike Silver was 3 for 3 at the plate for Hoopeston, and Hornbeck went 2 for 3.

Jim Nogle
STM Baseball

It was a rough homecoming for the STM Sabers, fresh off of their Disney baseball trip. The Sabers, back in Illinois, were at LeRoy on Monday, and St. Joe / Ogden on Tuesday and Thursday, facing some of the best pitching in our area.

Monday at LeRoy: STM, facing veteran hurler Koerner, picked up six hits, but struck out 5 times, and managed only one run. LeRoy, scored eight on ten hits and one error. Tyler Schweighart pitched three innings, giving up 5 hits and four runs, three earned. Dane Krone, pitched 2 1/3 innings, and gave up 5 hits and 4 runs. Nick Thompson closed out the last two outs, facing two batters. Final score: STM 1 LeRoy 8.

Monday, St. Joeeph/Ogden: The field at STM is undergoing turf repairs, and is unplayable this week. The wet winter and spring have put this project just a bit behind, but the team anticipates that they will be able to host games next week.

With their own field unavailable, the STM had the rare occasion of last at bats in St. Joe, as STM was officially the home team. Clayton Reiser took the mound to start this game on a nice evening for a ball game. He faced just four batters in the first with no one scoring. In the top of the second, Clayton started by striking out the lead off hitter and coaching a flyout to center field on the next batter. The third batter should have been just as routine, but a costly error allowed the batter to reach first. Following that came a string of 4 hits, including two doubles and a walk. Four runs crossed the plate, all unearned. It didn’t get any better after that. Thompson came in for relief of Reiser in the 3rd, and Krone took on the final two Trojan batters in the 7th. Together STM pitchers gave up 13 hits and 12 runs.

The Sabers struggled against Trojan pitcher Gones, who went the distance scattering 5 hits giving up two runs (just one earned). He recorded eight strikeouts. Of the five hits, catcher Dylan Ray claimed two and a RBI. Offensively, the Sabers bats have been pretty quiet. The good news is that they have been seeing very good pitching and things should start looking up as they move deeper into their schedule. Final Score: St. Joseph/Ogden 12 STM 2.

Thursday, St. Joseph / Ogden: Right back at the same park as two days earlier, the Sabers were visitors on Thursday. This time the pitching match up was Trent Richardson for STM and Krisman for St. Joe. This was a pitchers’ dual from the start and both pitchers went the distance.

The score was 0 to 0 through the first four innings, but in the bottom of the 5th, St. Joe capitalized on two walks, an error, an infield hit, and a hit batter to score two runs. In the sixth, they added a third run with a solo home run over the left field fence by the pitcher Krisman.

Offensively, the Sabers could only manage two hits (Ray and Richardson) and four total base runners (Pellum reached on an error, and Nogle drew a 7th inning walk). Krisman fanned 12 Sabers en route to his shutout victory. Only three STM players escaped without a K. “Krisman definitely had his pitch working”, said Jeff Nogle, who added “He is one of the best pitchers we will face this year. He is probably all area, as are Gones and Koerner.”

We started our schedule with tough opponents, but the team performed well today. Jeff Nogle noted “Defensively, this was our best game of the year. We played pretty solid in the field.” Trent Richardson did a tremendous job, going the distance and holding a very strong team to just three hits. Normally, that would result in a solid win.

We’ll look for better results next week. See you at the next game.

Jim Nogle
STM Varsity Baseball