[March 19, 2014]      

MOUNT PULASKI — The Mount Pulaski Toppers baseball team opened the 2014 season at home Monday afternoon with a 10-2 win over Decatur Lutheran School Association.

The game was tied 2-2 until the bottom of the fifth inning, when Toppers DH Max VanRheeden had the go-ahead run-scoring single that sparked an eight-run inning. The offense was led by Blake Collier with three hits, while Michael Lowery, VanRheeden, Will Stewart and Beau Collier each added two hits.

Starting pitcher Lowery went three innings with nine strikeouts and allowed two runs. Winning pitcher Jordan Luczaj went three innings, striking out four batters, and Blake Collier finished up the final inning with two strikeouts.

The Toppers travel to Havana on Thursday afternoon and play a doubleheader Friday night in Jacksonville at Lenz Field.

Pictures and text by Teena Lowery

The new Topper coach, Joel Washko, gives his players a postgame pep talk. After many practices in the gym due to the winter weather, Monday afternoon was the first time the Toppers had taken to the field.

Topper senior Max VanRheeden had two hits Monday.

 

Freshman Eli Olson at bat Monday against Decatur LSA.

Toppers coach Joel Washko talks to his players between innings.

 

Beau Collier scores the Toppers' second run of the game.

Senior Jordan Luczaj had one hit in the opening game and was the winning pitcher for the Toppers.