Topper baseball goes 4-2, taking Illini Central 13-1

[April 02, 2014]  MOUNT PULASKI —  Michael Lowery of the Mount Pulaski Hilltoppers baseball team went the distance Tuesday night in Mason City as the Toppers beat the Cougars of Illini Central 13-1. Lowery (2-0) struck out nine batters and walked one while throwing just 58 pitches.

The Toppers' offense pounded out 12 hits. Blake Collier ignited the offense with a lead-off triple, followed by Jordan Luczaj's run-scoring single in the first inning. The Toppers put runs on the board in each inning in a game just lasting one hour and 40 minutes.

Leading the Toppers on offense were Luczaj, 2-4 with four RBIs; Matthew Amidon, 3-4; Brett Huff, 2-4 with one RBI; and Blake Collier, 2-3 with two RBIs.

Will Stewart also contributed a two-run single, and senior Max VanRheeden crushed a triple to right field, earning two RBIs. Sophomore Caleb Przykopanski rounded out the offense, going 1-3 with an RBI.

Solid pitching and outstanding offense allowed the Toppers to improve their record to 4-2 on the season.

The Toppers are scheduled to play at home Thursday at 4:15 p.m. versus Tri-City, weather permitting.

[By TEENA LOWERY]