6A-South baseball: Charger boys fall to WHN in semifinals

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Brandon-Evansville held a brief 4-3 lead over top-seeded Wheaton-Herman-Norcross before the Warriors pulled away late for a 9-6 win in the second round of the Section 6A baseball tournament last week.

The Chargers scored four runs in the top of the third to overcome an early three-run deficit. The Warriors answered right back, scoring three in the bottom of the inning. They never trailed again as they added three in the sixth to secure the 9-6 win.

“I’m very proud of the way my team played today,” Chargers’ head coach Brian Perleberg said. “We have nothing to hang our heads about. Wheaton is a quality team and very deserving of the No. 1 seed in this tournament. We hung with them all the way.”

Aaron Lund tried to help himself out at the plate. He finished 1-for-2 with two walks, two RBI and a run scored. He went all six innings on the mound, giving up 12 hits and a walk, while striking out three. Wheaton’s Mason Lampe was just a little better, scattering seven hits and four walks, while striking out three.

“I thought Aaron pitched very effectively, only allowing one walk and one stolen base,” Perleberg said. “Offensively, we put the ball in play against one of the best pitchers in the conference and were able to execute a sacrifice fly, a sacrifice bunt, a drag bunt and had runners in scoring position in four of the seven innings.”

The Chargers came into the game fresh off an easy 14-3 win over fifth-seeded Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in the first round.

Joe Roers had a huge day to drive the Charger offense. He started a nine-run fifth inning with a triple and ended it with a grand slam that sent Brandon-Evansville home walk off winners due to the 10-run rule.

Teddy Wood was strong on the mound for the Chargers. He allowed lone runs in the second, fourth and fifth innings. He scattered seven hits and three walks in six innings, striking out two.

“Teddy Wood gave us the pitching performance we needed tonight and came through like we knew he could,” Perleberg said. “He was able to change speeds effectively and limited his walks and allowed the defense to make plays.”

Wood also helped his own cause with a 3-for-4 day at the plate. He had a double and an RBI, while scoring two runs. Michael Lund and Tyson Meissner each had a hit and a run. Meissner also added an RBI to his line.

“Our guys were patient at the plate,” Perleberg said. “We were able to come through with some timely hitting that allowed us to have two big offensive innings and pull away later in the game.”

The Chargers made strides with their program this season. Their tournament win was their first postseason win since 2006. They finished 9-11 overall and 6-7 in the Pheasant Conference.

“My only regret from [the game against Wheaton] is that it will be the last time I will get to coach my five seniors,” Perleberg said. “Travis Lund, Teddy Wood, Joe Roers, Dan Wagner and Michael Lund will be missed not only for their talents on the field, but their attitude, commitment and willingness to learn and improve. I wish them the best of luck in the future and thank them for all they have given to the Charger baseball program.”

GAME STATISTICS

BE 004 100 1 – 6 7 3

WHEATON 213 003 X – 9 12 3

BRANDON-EVANSVILLE PITCHING – Aaron Lund – 6IP, 12H, 9R, 1BB, 3SO

BRANDON-EVANSVILLE HITTING – Teddy Wood – 2-4, 1 run; Travis Lund – 2-3, RBI, 2 runs, SB; A. Lund – 1-2, 1 run, 2 BB, 2 RBI; Michael Lund – 1-2, RBI; Tyson Meissner – 1-4, 1 run

HILLCREST 010 110 – 3 7 2

BE 100 49X – 14 10 2

BRANDON-EVANSVILLE PITCHING – T. Wood – 6IP, 7H, 3R, 3BB, 2SO

BRANDON-EVANSVILLE HITTING – Joe Roers – 3-4, 3B, HR, 3 runs, 5 RBI; T. Wood – 3-4, 2B, 2 runs, RBI; Michael Lund – 1-2, BB, 1 run; Tyson Meissner – 1-4, 1 run, RBI, SB

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