In Lincoln’s five-run fifth inning in the first game, Pekin sophomore Joseph Howard, who eventually threw a complete seven-inning game of 170 pitches, gave up two hits, walked four and hit a batter. Even so, it was Justin Dedman’s two-out single that drove in the final two runs that proved to be the difference. Jamison Sheley was credited with the win, although he and other Lincoln pitchers (Matt Boyer, Ryan Williams and Justin Dedman) held Pekin to just three hits. While playing right field, Sheley’s arm was also used to cut down a Pekin runner who attempted to score on a possible sacrifice fly in the second inning.

[Senior Jamison Sheley delivers a pitch.]

RBI leaders, with two each, were Justin Dedman, Sheley and Aaron Matson. Williams and Matson, who was celebrating his 18^th birthday, had two hits in the game, while Chris Phillips had three.

Lincoln’s second win was a tight 3-2 squeaker. While tied at 2-2, Lincoln scored the winning run in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Andy Knopp smacked a single to left field. Ryan Williams, on a hit-and-run, followed with a single to right field, sending Knopp to third. In an attempt to get Knopp, the right fielder made an errant throw, and Knopp scampered home for the tie-breaking and game-winning score.

Chris Phillips, who allowed no runs in innings six and seven, picked up the win, although he and Josh McDaniel, Blake Schoonover and Jamison Sheley held Pekin to only one hit. Lincoln’s seven hits in the game came from Williams (2), Phillips (2), Schoonover, Dedman and Knopp.

One critical defensive play for Lincoln occurred in the fourth inning. With two outs and a 2-1 Lincoln lead, Pekin runners were at second and third. A ground ball was hit to Lincoln’s third baseman, who misjudged the hop and allowed the ball to get through. The runner on third scored, and the runner on second attempted to register the go-ahead run on the play. However, shortstop Knopp tracked the ball down and threw out Pekin senior Brad Schlenz at the plate to terminate the inning.

The pitching duties were typically spread around. Seldom did any pitcher throw more than three innings at a time. Often, Lincoln used four pitchers in a game. Seven different pitchers threw between 10 and 21 innings during the season, with each pitcher claiming at least one win. Four pitchers had perfect records—Williams with three wins, Phillips with two, Boyer with two and McDaniel with two. Both Phillips and McDaniel had ERA’s under .70. Phillips also led the team with 31 strikeouts and only five walks in 20.3 total innings.

Phillips ended the season batting .455, with a team-leading 17 RBIs and an on-base percentage of .519. Dedman, Knopp and Williams hit over .300; and Knopp, Schoonover and Williams had on-base percentages over .450.

It was Lincoln’s first experience with wooden bats, at least since metal bats became the standard for amateur play. Some players felt what it’s like for a bat to break with one swing, and they discovered that the bat’s trademark is placed where it is for a reason. It was a great season against solid competition with good exposure around midstate Illinois. That’s what the team hoped for, and that’s what it got.

[Seniors Justin Dedman and Chris Phillips were leaders at the plate and on the mound.]

Congratulations to the dedicated players, the faithful fans and the constructive coaches—Don Williams and Marc Schoonover. Lincoln High School’s new varsity baseball coach, Pat Hake, has reason to be excited about the coming spring season.

Click below for statistics:

Box scores for Lincoln vs. Pekin games 

Final season batting stats 

Final season pitching stats