Raiders realize shot at state championship not part of their destiny after semifinal loss

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 3, 2023
Quincy Notre Dame's Jake Schisler, left, and Nolan Robb collaborate during a seventh-inning pitching change in the Class 2A state semifinal against Joliet Catholic on Friday at Dozer Park. | Matt Schuckman photo

PEORIA, Ill. — The fifth inning provided the Quincy Notre Dame baseball players with hope. The sixth inning gave them angst. The seventh inning brought the stark realization a state championship wasn’t part of their destiny. Trailing defending Class 2A state champion Joliet Catholic by five runs in the fifth inning of Friday’s state semifinal…

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Championship dreams: Hornets wriggle out of seventh-inning jam, win state semifinal

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 3, 2022
Brown County left-handed reliever Mason Henry reacts to the final out in the Hornets' 2-1 victory over Ottawa Marquette in Friday's Class 1A state semifinal at Dozer Park in Peoria, Ill. Matt Schuckman photo

PEORIA, Ill. — The tension gripping the Brown County baseball team’s dugout and its legion of fans in the stands apparently wasn’t being felt by those on the field. “I was calm the entire time,” shortstop Colby Wort said. “I had my whole belief in our pitchers and our fielders.” Hornets center fielder Gabe Blakeley’s…

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Photo gallery: Brown County beats Ottawa Marquette in Class 1A baseball state semifinals

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 3, 2022
Brown County coach Jared Hoots, left, celebrates the end of an inning with catcher Eathan Howell and pitcher Gabe Blakeley during Friday's Class 1A state semifinal against Ottawa Marquette at Dozer Park in Peoria, Ill. Matt Schuckman photo

PEORIA, Ill. — The Brown County baseball team snared the lead in the first inning, extended it in the third inning and never relinquished it in beating Ottawa Marquette 2-1 in the Class 1A state semifinals Friday at Dozer Park. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the atmosphere and action on and off the…

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