Tingley’s Perfect Day at the Plate Powers Lincoln-Way Central Past Andrew 4-3

Powered by a flawless offensive performance from senior Luke Tingley and a lights-out relief appearance by senior D. Lovingfoss, the Lincoln-Way Central varsity baseball team secured a hard-fought 4-3 road conference victory over Andrew on Friday afternoon.

The Knights (25-26) struck early, manufacturing a run in the top of the first inning to take a quick 1-0 advantage. However, Andrew responded in the bottom of the second, breaking through against Lincoln-Way Central starter Noah Sloan for a pair of runs to capture a 2-1 lead. Sloan, a senior, ultimately settled in to earn the win, battling through four innings of work while yielding five hits and three earned runs, striking out three.

The game’s turning point arrived in the top of the fifth inning. Trailing by a run, the Knights’ lineup erupted for a decisive three-run rally. The offensive surge was anchored by Tingley and senior Conor McCabe. Tingley was an impossible out all afternoon, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a solo home run, two runs scored, and a walk. McCabe provided the clutch hitting with runners on base, delivering a 2-for-4 performance that included a double and a team-high three RBIs.

Junior Tyler Arnold and sophomore Des Gill also contributed to the extra-base hit parade, each lacing a double in the contest to help keep the pressure on the Andrew pitching staff.

Armed with a newly established 4-2 lead, Lincoln-Way Central handed the ball to Lovingfoss in the bottom of the fifth. Though Andrew managed to scratch across a single run in the frame to cut the deficit to 4-3, Lovingfoss quickly slammed the door shut. The senior reliever was untouchable over the final three innings, holding the hosts entirely hitless. Lovingfoss struck out two batters and worked around a pair of walks to preserve the one-run lead and seal the victory.

Defensively, the Knights played a relatively clean game, committing just one error and turning a crucial double play to help stymie any potential Andrew rallies in the late innings.

Game Summary

Score by Innings

Scoring Drives

• 1st Inning: Lincoln-Way Central opens the scoring with a single run.

• 2nd Inning: Andrew pushes across two runs to take a 2-1 lead.

• 5th Inning: Lincoln-Way Central reclaims the lead with a three-run surge; Andrew plates one run in the bottom half to cut the deficit to 4-3.

Individual Statistics

• LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL BATTING: Luke Tingley (Sr) (3-3, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 HR, 1 BB); Conor McCabe (Sr) (2-4, 3 RBI, 1 2B); Tyler Arnold (Jr) (1-4, 1 R, 1 2B); Des Gill (So) (1-4, 1 2B); C. Lovingfoss (So) (1-3).

• LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL PITCHING: Noah Sloan (Sr) (4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K); D. Lovingfoss (Sr) (3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K).

• LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL FIELDING: Team Totals (1 Error, 1 Double Play).

• ANDREW BATTING: Team Totals (5 H, 3 R).

• ANDREW PITCHING: Team Totals (7.0 IP, 9 H, 4 R).