Lincoln-Way Central Tops Andrew in Conference Pitching Duel

NEW LENOX, IL – The Lincoln-Way Central varsity baseball team rode a dominant pitching performance and a pivotal fifth-inning rally to secure a 4-1 conference victory over Andrew on Monday.

The game was a tight pitchers’ duel through the first four innings, with neither team able to break through. That changed in the bottom of the fifth when the Knights’ offense finally clicked, plating four runs to seize command of the game. A combination of disciplined at-bats and clutch hitting allowed Lincoln-Way Central to build a cushion that proved insurmountable for the visiting Thunderbolts.

Owen Novak earned the win on the mound, delivering a stellar six-inning performance. Novak scattered six hits and struck out eight batters while allowing no earned runs. Nolan Bartkus closed the door in the seventh, striking out two to secure the victory.

Offensively, the Knights were led by Tyler Arnold, who finished the day 3-for-4, and Daniel Houston, who chipped in two hits, including a double, and an RBI. C. Lovingfoss added two crucial RBIs to headline the Knights’ productive fifth inning.

Although Andrew pushed across a run in the sixth, the Knights’ defense and pitching depth held firm, ending the contest with a decisive 4-1 lead.

Game Summary

Score by Innings

Scoring Drives

• 5th Inning (Lincoln-Way Central): The Knights break the scoreless tie with a four-run rally.

• 6th Inning (Andrew): The Thunderbolts plate their lone run of the afternoon.

Individual Statistics

PITCHING:

• Lincoln-Way Central: Owen Novak (6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K), Nolan Bartkus (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K)

BATTING:

• Lincoln-Way Central: Tyler Arnold (3-4), Daniel Houston (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 2B), C. Lovingfoss (1-3, 2 RBI), Conor McCabe (1-3, 1 RBI)