The 13-year-old Prep tournament hosted by LaGrange was won by Western Conference team Ketchmark Landscaping of Brookfield. Ketchmark went undefeated in the tournament over a field of 10 teams, winning the championship game 4-2 over LaGrange Ronald McDonald House.
Tom Hnojsky, who inspired the team in the final game by playing with a broken finger, smashed an RBI double to left in the first inning after Dave Kunesh’s two-out hit. Hnojsky later scored the second run on a wild pitch. Bill Hansa drove in the third run in the first inning with an RBI single and Michael Hansa rounded out the scoring with a bunt RBI single in the fifth.
Josh Smothers pitched a magnificent seven-inning complete game and Eddie Morrissey made a great catch in center in the last inning with the tying runs on base.
The team also gained inspiration from Chris Beck, who helped Ketchmark get to the finals with two RBIs and a run scored in the semifinal game before breaking his leg on a run scoring play at the plate. Charlie Rock also pitched two tremendous complete victories in Ketchmark’s march to the championship. Dave Kunesh provided consistent hitting and stellar defense, while Mich Callahan,Vince Kerber, Sean Feirick, Brett Nagle and A.J. Velazquez all contributed to the wins.
Babe Ruth tourney
The 2005 Babe Ruth Baseball Illinois State Championship (Senior Division 16-19 year olds) will be held this weekend at Ehlert Park in Brookfield. Eight teams will participate in the tournament, including the host team, the local Western Conference team from Brookfield.
For more information contact Mary Vyskocil at 387-2260 or 630-464-6746.
Overholt tourney
The 42nd Annual Roy Overholt youth baseball tournament begins Aug. 1 at Kiwanis Park in Brookfield and will run through Aug. 7.
Twelve teams from leagues around the area will compete in the single-elimination tournament.
