Metea Valley looking to win a post-season game for the first time since 2013, Navaeh Cruz opening the game in the circle. As Wheaton Warrenville South says hello to IHSA playoff action.
First Inning
Second batter of the game and Libby Eichberger puts a charge into this one to left field. Rolls all the way to the wall for a double.
After Emily Finger reaches on a single, the catcher gets into a run down and keeps the Tiger occupied long enough to allow Eichberger to score for the game’s opening run. Little small ball for the Mustangs.
To the bottom half of the first and check out the glove work from Eichberger. The left fielder leaves her feet to snag the liner and retire the Tiger’s leadoff hitter.
Now two away in the frame, runner on first and Grace Georgiou rips a ball to left… that will score the game tying run and it’s 1-1 exiting the first inning.
Third Inning
Top of the third and Tigers pitcher Izzy Fawcett is mowing down Mustangs in short order… going 1-2-3 and striking out the side.
To the bottom of the third and after taking the lead on an RBI groundout, Frankie Lang puts down the suicide squeeze… and the toss is a hair late. Tigers up 3-1 going to the fourth inning.
Fifth Inning
Bottom 5 and Rissa Bajusz in the game as the pitcher… and she punches out on of her four on the day.
Sixth Inning
Getting late as we move to the sixth inning… but here comes a power surge. Bajusz leading off the inning and crushing a pitch to left center. Winds up on second with a table-setting two-bagger.
Next batter is Eichberger and she slices a ball down the left field line – her third time reaching base as she drives in Bajusz and it’s 3-2.
NEXT batter… and Finger takes a fastball down the middle and hammers it to left… three straight extra base hits and just like that, Metea has tied the game at three. Finger with three hits in the game.
Eighth Inning
To extras we go… and in the top of the eighth, the Mustangs have two on and two away… but Fawcett gets the strikeout to end the threat.
And in the bottom half, Katie Weisheit pulls a pitch into right and brings in the game winning run. Metea bows out in heartbreaking fashion, losing 4-3 to Wheaton Warrenville South.
For more highlights, visit our Naperville Sports Weekly Page.
