Beneath the pristine Illinois sky, the Trojans geared up to face the town to the west. With Luke Bonnstetter and the Trojan defense leading the charge, they aimed to bounce back from a tough 1-3 start in 2024. Yet, beyond mere redemption, this day promised a shot at ending the rival’s flawless 6-0 streak to begin their campaign.
In a tense pitching showdown, both teams found themselves with plenty of chances to score, especially with runners in scoring position. The rival took the lead with a 2-out RBI double in the second inning. However, a fielding error by the Wave on a routine groundout by Brett Spour leveled the game at 1-all in the third inning.
In the following inning, the Wave capitalized on a Trojans error, scoring a run with runners threatening. However, Aidan Archibald’s double play and a timely flyout helped the Trojans escape the jam, surrendering only one run. Then, in the fifth inning, Spour delivered for Charleston, smashing a deep double to center field, bringing Luke Bonnstetter home and tying the game 2-all after five innings.
After a solid defensive stand in the top of the sixth, Owen Bennett kickstarted a Trojans rally in the bottom half with a clutch one-out double. Chase King’s walk put runners on the corners following a balk by the Wave. With nerves of steel, Corbin Parker stepped up, driving in the crucial go-ahead run on a fielder’s choice to second base, scoring Bennett and giving the Trojans a 3-2 lead with just one inning left to play.
In the last inning, Bonnstetter sealed the deal with two groundouts and a decisive strikeout, securing a 3-2 triumph over the town to the west and putting an end to their flawless six-game streak. The Trojans’ defense and pitching duo proved pivotal, with Bonnstetter conceding just seven hits, one earned run, and striking out three in a stellar complete game performance.
On the offensive front, Owen Bennett and Bonnstetter emerged as the mainstays, accounting for five of the Trojans’ seven hits. Bennett and Brett Spour contributed with crucial doubles, while Bonnstetter, Bennett, and Corbin Parker crossed home plate to notch Charleston’s three runs. Looking ahead, with a 1-1 Apollo record, the Trojans are gearing up for non-conference action against Neoga at home on Tuesday.
C-TC Sports 