BASEBALL NEWS 2011

News

2011-2012 BASEBALL LETTERS OF INTENT SIGNEES
The following student-athletes have signed NJCAA letters of intent to continue their academic and baseball careers at Prairie State College beginning in the Fall 2011 semester:

• IF/OF Darrell Collins (Plainfield South H.S.)
• P Sam Cook (Lincoln-Way North H.S.)
• OF Robert Colantuono (T.F. South H.S.)
• P/C Jim Miller (Bremen H.S.)
• P/INF Ed Nelson (Plainfield South H.S.)
• 1B Ryan Rasmus (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.)
• C Patrick Nelson (Marist H.S.)
• 3B Justin Madrigal (Shepard H.S.)
• P Scott Fewkes (Stagg H.S.)
• SS Luke Coffman (Chicago Christian H.S.)

---

PIONEERS AT THE NEXT LEVEL
The following 2010-2011 Prairie State College baseball players are currently attending four-year institutions.

• Tom Lally – Central Michigan University
• Zach Smerz – Ashford University
• Kenny Paulsen – Ashford University

---

August 10, 2011
PSC BASEBALL TEAM TO HOST TRYOUT
The Prairie State College baseball team will host a two-day tryout, August 17-18 at 4:30 p.m. on the baseball field, which is located in the Pioneer Recreation and Sports Park.

All participants must have a physical on file with the college and be enrolled full-time for the fall semester. Bill Storrs Jr. is the Pioneers’ head coach.

---

June 29, 2011
PIONEERS MAKE HISTORY WITH FIVE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS
Prairie State College student-athletes continue to make their presence felt not only inside the athletic arena, but outside of it as well.

The PSC Athletic Department was pleased to learn recently that a school-record five of its student-athletes have been selected as NJCAA Academic All-Americans.

Freshman Kara Boss (Homeschooled), (women’s cross country) also earned Superior level honors

Sophomore's Steve Tijerina (Covenant Christian H.S.), (men's cross country), Sophia Miranda (Bloom Trail H.S.), (women's soccer), Nicolle Trujillo (Bloom H.S.), (women's soccer) and Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute), (baseball) all earned honors.

"This is a great accomplishment and a testament to the student's hard work and dedication in the classroom as well as on the playing field," Prairie State Director of Physical Education and Athletics, Ed Schaffer said. "They understand the importance of being a student first and an athlete second, which is something that we have always emphasized here. I know they will all have continued success at the next level."

Tijerina earned himself the highest academic honor that the NJCAA can bestow upon a student-athlete after being named a Pinnacle Academic All-American. The Pinnacle level is awarded to only student-athletes who possess a grade point average of 4.0 in at least 45 semester hours.

Tijerina was also selected to the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference All-Academic team as well in addition to being selected as a recipient of the Dick Durrant Sophomore Academic Athlete of the Year Award. Tijerina will be studying pre-physical therapy at Governors State University.

Tijerina was one of 136 student-athletes throughout the NJCAA to receive Pinnacle level honors.

Boss, who received her Associates Degree in December of 2010, earned Superior Academic Achievement and moved on to Trinity Christian College during the 2011 spring semester. She is currently studying Accounting.

In order to receive Superior Academic Achievement status, a student-athlete must post a GPA between 3.8 and 3.99.

Trujillo also earned Superior Academic Achievement and will be staying at PSC after being accepted into the school's Dental Hygiene program.

Miranda attained Exemplary Academic Achievement and will be attending Indiana University Northwest to study Radiography.

In order to receive Exemplary Academic Achievement, a student-athlete must register a GPA of 3.60-3.79 in 45 hours of course work.

Lally, who also picked up Exemplary honors, will attend Central Michigan University next fall and study Physical Education.

Tijerina, Boss, Miranda and Lally also made the academic all-conference team in 2010-11.

Trujillo made the academic all-conference squad during the 2009-10 school year.

---

June 16, 2011
LALLY MAKES HIS DECISION KNOWN, SELECTS CENTRAL MICHIGAN
When Prairie State College sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) first arrived on the school's Chicago Heights campus, Pioneers' head coach Bill Storrs had a pretty good idea of what type of player he had.

Or so he thought.

"Coming into Prairie State, we knew that Tommy was a great pure athlete," Storrs said. "We were hoping that we could get that athleticism to translate over into baseball however."

Fortunately for both Storrs and the entire PSC baseball program, Lally didn't just merely meet the expectations of his head coach, he blew them away.

"We knew that he'd be a great base runner for sure, but we never thought he'd be the type of hitter that he became, and I never envisioned him putting up the power numbers that he did."

Following two record-setting seasons at Prairie State, in which he excelled both in the classroom and on the diamond, Lally will now be taking both his scholastic and baseball careers to the next level.

Heavily-recruited by the likes of Northwestern, Coastal Carolina and Big XII Conference powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma, Lally ultimately signed on the dotted line with 2011 Mid-American Conference West Division champion Central Michigan University.

Storrs was happy to see a true, all-around student-athlete like Lally receive an opportunity to play Division I baseball.

"Tommy is such a modest and unassuming kid that it's great to see him rewarded for all his hard work," Storrs said. "One of the things that we tell our players is that aside from ability, Tommy had the GPA to go along with his baseball skills. If he didn't have the grades, this door would never have opened for him."

A .358 career hitter as a Pioneer, Lally recorded 141 hits and 38 stolen bases in his two seasons in Chicago Heights. He also crossed the plate 146 times.

During the 2011 season, the fleet-footed Lally hit .340 with five home runs and a Prairie State single-season record 13 triples.

Lally's baker's dozen of three-baggers broke the school's previous single-season mark of 11, which he set as a freshman.

Lally also drove in a team-high 48 runs and recorded a team-best 15 stolen bases.

The 5-foot-11, 165-pound Lally certainly made a serious dent in the PSC record book as well.

His 70 runs in 2010 set the Prairie State single-season mark.

Lally's eight round-trippers as a freshman were good for second on the single-season ledger and his 51 RBIs also landed him second on the charts.

His 46 runs driven in this year also placed him fourth on the list.

Lally appeared in all 57 games for the Pioneers in 2011 and registered 17 multiple-hit contests and 15 multi-RBI games.

His best individual effort of 2011 came in PSC's 8-5 win over Illinois Valley May 1. In that contest, Lally went 2-for-2 with five RBIs and three runs. He also belted two home runs, drew a walk and picked up a stolen base.

Post-season accolades proved plentiful for Lally as well.

He was an NJCAA All-Region IV Second Team selection in 2011 and a two-time All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference pick. Lally also was chosen as the Pioneers' 2011 Most Valuable Player.

Lally found success in the classroom as well, making the Skyway Conference All-Academic Team while graduating from PSC magna cum laude, an accomplishment which requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.65.

The Chippewas finished 31-27 overall and 17-9 in the MAC during the 2011 season. They have won the last two MAC West titles.

---

Tom Lally	Mark Scott	Zach Smerz

 

June 15, 2011
PIONEERS PLACE 14 ON ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE LIST
Several Prairie State College student-athletes proved once again that success on the scholastic front can directly be correlated to triumphs in the athletic arena.

The PSC Athletic Department was pleased to learn that 14 of its student-athletes were named to the 2010-11 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference All-Academic Team.

"What these 14 student-athletes have done is a great accomplishment," PSC Director of Physical Education and Athletics, Ed Schaffer said. "Their work ethic and dedication have enabled them to excel in the classroom as well as in their chosen sports. They epitomize what it means to be a student-athlete."

Leading the way for Prairie State's honorees, and making some school history along the way, was sophomore men's cross country runner Steve Tijerina (Covenant Christian H.S.).

Tijerina, a major contributor to the Pioneers' success on the race course this past fall, became Prairie State's first recipient of the prestigious Dick Durrant Sophomore Academic Athlete of the Year Award.

The Durrant Award, named after legendary Elgin Athletic Director, Dick Durrant, is presented to sophomore student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 in at least 48 hours of course work.

Out of the three Durrant Award winners of 2010-11, Tijerina was the lone male recipient.

In order to be selected to the Skyway Conference All-Academic Team, a student-athlete must produce a minimum GPA of 3.0 in at least 48 semester hours.

Tijerina was joined on the all-academic squad by women's freshman cross country runner Kara Boss (Homeschooled).

Boss graduated magna cum laude (GPA between 3.65-3.84).

The Pioneers' baseball program landed three athletes on the all-academic team as sophomore Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute), sophomore Mark Scott (Marian Catholic H.S.) and sophomore Zach Smerz (Reavis H.S.) were all chosen.

Lally also graduated magna cum laude.

Sophomore women's soccer and basketball standout Tara Spell (Wilmington H.S.) represented two sports on the team.

Sophomore Sophia Miranda (Bloom Trail H.S.) and freshman Zanah Thirus (Homeschooled) both represented women's soccer on the all-academic squad.

Freshman women's basketball player Leah Avery (Brooks Academy) also made the team.

Sophomore Tomer Sirma (Dekel Vilni H.S., Israel), (Men's Soccer), sophomore Luke Bihl (Andrew H.S.), (Tennis), sophomore Cody Staton (Bloom Trail H.S.), (Golf), sophomore Kristen Hensen (Beecher H.S.), (Softball) and sophomore Melissa Smerz (Bremen H.S.), (Volleyball) were also selected.

---

May 26, 2011
LALLY CLOSES OUT PSC CAREER ON HIGH NOTE
As a freshman last season, Prairie State College sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) closed out his first campaign of college baseball with a second-team All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference selection.

This season he decided to up the ante and end his junior college career with a solid encore.

Earlier this week, Lally, one of the most versatile and athletic players that the Pioneers’ baseball program has ever seen, earned a much-deserved selection to the NJCAA All-Region IV Second Team.

During the 2011 season, the fleet-footed Lally hit .340 with five home runs and a Prairie State single-season record 13 triples.

Lally’s baker’s dozen of three-baggers broke the school’s previous single-season mark of 11, which he set as a freshman.

Lally also drove in a team-high 48 runs and recorded a team-best 15 stolen bases.

A .358 career hitter as a Pioneer, Lally recorded 141 hits and 38 stolen bases in his two seasons in Chicago Heights. He also crossed the plate 146 times.

The 5-foot-11, 165-pound Lally certainly made a serious dent in the PSC record book as well.

His 70 runs in 2010 set the PSC single-season mark.

Lally’s eight round-trippers as a freshman were good for second on the single-season ledger and his 51 RBIs also landed him second on the charts.

His 46 runs driven in this year also placed him fourth on the list.

Lally appeared in all 57 games for the Pioneers in 2011 and registered 17 multiple-hit contests and 15 multi-RBI games.

His best individual effort of 2011 came in PSC’s 8-5 win over Illinois Valley May 1. In that contest, Lally went 2-for-2 with five RBIs and three runs. He also belted two home runs drew a walk and picked up a stolen base.

Lally was also the Pioneers’ lone first-team All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference pick.

---

Tom Lally	Jimmy Topps	Mike Schipits	Joe Czarnecki	Brendan Spongberg

May 18, 2011
PIONEERS HIT HOME RUN WITH ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS
The Prairie State College baseball program prides itself on the concept that hard work and determination are both catalysts for success on the diamond.

Five Pioneers found this out first-hand recently as they were rewarded for their season-long efforts with selections to the All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference teams.

Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute), a second-team pick in 2010, was tabbed to the league’s first team. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound speedster was also the runner-up for the conference’s player of the year award, falling just a vote shy of earning the top prize.

Joining Lally as all-conference choices were freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.), freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.), freshman utility player Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.) and freshman starting pitcher Brendan Spongberg (Shepard H.S.), who were all second-team picks.

Lally batted .356 in conference play with 12 RBIs, 10 runs, two home runs and four triples. He also posted a .711 slugging percentage and on-base percentage of .453, with three stolen bases.

The two-time all-conference member also tied for the team lead in multiple-hit games in league play with Schipits, as both players registered four.

Lally and Schipits both also constructed four multiple-RBI games.

Lally’s five-game hitting streak in conference action from April 2-9 was second only to Schipits’ six-gamer.

The Pioneers’ lone first-team selection posted his best work in league action in an April 23 contest against Elgin (2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 triples) and April 23 tilt with Morton (2-for-3, 2 runs).

The fleet-footed Topps, while not busy chasing down fly balls as one of the league’s elite defensive center fielders, found time to bat .304 in Skyway games with seven RBIs, four doubles and five steals.

Topps also showed patience at the plate, drawing a team-high seven walks.

A quick first step and great instincts allowed Topps to post a perfect fielding percentage of .1000 in league play.

Topps’ strongest showings in the conference were a 3-for-4, RBI, two run effort against Waubonsee (April 2) and 3-for-4 day with a pair of runs and a double in a 5-2 win over McHenry (April 12).

Schipits hit .333 in 14 league games with nine RBIs.

The 5-foot-11, 158-pound outfielder contributed his best contests of the conference slate on April 12 against McHenry (2-for-3, 2 RBI) and in the April 29 tilt against Morton (2-for-4, 2 RBI, run, double).

Czarnecki batted at a .314 clip in league action, while posting a team-best OBP of .510.

The 5-foot-7, 145-pound Czarnecki, who played eight different positions throughout the course of the regular season, posted a four-game hitting streak in conference games and was also successful a perfect 5-of-5 times in stolen base attempts.

A 3-for-4 outing with a run against Morton (April 29) and 2-for-3 afternoon with an RBI and two steals at Moraine Valley (May 2) proved to be Czarnecki’s top performances in league play.

Spongberg posted a record of 2-2 in six games in the Skyway.

The 6-foot, 214-pound left-hander struck out 20 hitters while walking only eight in 21.1 innings of work.

Spongberg’s best start within the conference came courtesy of a 2-1 win over Moraine Valley on May 2.

In that start, Spongberg went the distance, surrendering only four hits and one unearned run, while striking out seven and walking three.

Spongberg also impressed in the Pioneers’ 11-3 victory against Lake County (April 9), working six innings while allowing a pair of runs on five hits while fanning six and walking two.

---

May 13-15, 2011
PIONEERS MAKE SOME NOISE AS SEASON COMES TO AN END

MADISON, Wis. — The Prairie State College baseball team saw another successful season come to a close Sunday following a 16-4 loss to Madison in an NJCAA Region IV sectional final at Robin Roberts Field in Madison, Wis.

But before they exited postseason play, PSC (26-30-1) made its presence felt, knocking off Lake County 7-5 and Madison 7-5 on Friday afternoon.

After upending the Wolfpack, Prarie State needed to defeat Madison for a second time Saturday in the double-elimination tournament to claim the sectional crown.

Unfortunately, Madison downed PSC 30-5 on Saturday, forcing Sunday's Game 3.

In the win over the Lancers, several Pioneers picked up strong efforts, starting with freshman catcher Keith Plocharczyk (Shepard H.S.).

The 5-foot-9, 178-pound Plocharczyk went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. The biggest of the Pioneers' backstop's safeties was a seventh-inning two-run single.

Freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.) went 2-for-5 with a run and a double.

On the mound, sophomore Kenny Paulsen (Bloom Trail H.S.) came out of the bullpen to earn his fifth win of the year.

The 5-foot-11, 163-pound Paulsen worked three innings, allowing no runs on one hit while walking one.

Freshman left-handed starter Brendan Spongberg (Shepard H.S.) also picked up his fifth win in the triumph over Madison.

The 6-foot, 214-pound Spongberg went six innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits and walked two.

Freshman closer John Rafferty (St. Laurence H.S.) worked the final two frames to lock down his team-leading sixth save of the season.

At the plate, freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.) led the way with a 3-for-3, two-run outing.

Freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.), (3-for-6, two runs), sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute), (2-for-5, RBI, double), sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.), (2-for-5, 2 runs, RBI), sophomore designated hitter Marcel Barner, (Thornridge H.S), (2-for-4) and freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.), (2-for-4, RBI, double, sacrifice fly) all made strong contributions.

The Pioneers jumped on the Wolfpack early, plating three runs in the first inning, courtesy of an RBI single off the bat of Goshorn.

After Madison tied the contest in the second, PSC took a 4-3 lead when Lally ripped an RBI double into the left-center field gap, scoring Johnson.

PSC made it a 6-3 game after tallying runs in both the third and fourth.

Saturday's contest with the Wolfpack got off to a bad start and never did improve as Madison scored four times in the opening frame.

The Pioneers trailed 19-0 before engineering a five-run seventh, highlighted by a sacrifice fly to right off the bat of sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) and RBI groundout by Topps.

PSC trailed 3-0 in the fifth inning of Sunday's game before breaking through with a pair, thanks to bases-loaded walks to Krygsheld and Barner.

Prairie State was behind 12-2 in the seventh, when Goshorn delivered a mammoth two-run home run to left, closing out PSC's scoring for the season.

---

May 10, 2011
LALLY FUELS PSC GAME 1 WIN
Prairie State College sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) fell a home run shy of hitting for the cycle as the Prairie State College baseball team knocked off Harper 8-3 in the opener of the two team's non-conference doubleheader Tuesday in Chicago Heights.

Unfortunately, PSC ran out of daylight in the nightcap and was forced to settle for a 10-10 tie.

Lally turned in a sterling effort in the opener, going 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBIs and a stolen base.

Lally, who holds the PSC career triples record, also cracked his team-leading 13th three-bagger of the season, while also adding a double.

The Pioneers (24-28-1) also picked up big efforts in the opener from sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) and freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.), (2-for-4, 2 runs).

Sophomore pitcher Kenny Paulsen (Bloom Trail H.S.) came on in relief of freshman starter Brendan Spongberg (Shepard H.S.) and picked up his fourth win of the campaign.

The 5-foot-11, 163-pound Paulsen tossed three innings, didn't surrender a run and scattered a pair of hits. He also struck out three.

On the defensive side, the highlight of the day for PSC occurred in the first inning when Spongberg induced Harper's cleanup hitter to line into a triple play.

Freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.) started the triple killing when he snared a low line drive and fired a strike to sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) to double up the runner at first. Goshorn then fired a chest-high rocket to Lally to complete the triple play.

Another rarity occurred in Game 2 as Rohde ripped a fourth-inning rocket into the left-center field gap, driving home freshman catcher Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.). Rohde's drive was placed perfectly, allowing him to hustle all the way home for inside-the-park home run, the first of his career.

Rohde went 2-for-3 with an RBI and run in the nightcap.

Also contributing in Game 2 were Czarnecki (3-for-4, 3 RBI, run), Goshorn (2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 runs, double) and freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.), (2-for-4, RBI, 2 runs).

---

May 8, 2011
PIONEERS GETTING HOT AT RIGHT TIME
With a pair of wins Sunday over Highland, the Prairie State College baseball team is hitting its stride at just the right time as postseason play looms around the corner.

The Pioneers (23-28) downed their visitors from Freeport by final counts of 11-1 in five innings and 7-4.

PSC received big efforts from the plate in Game 1 from sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.), (2-for-4, 3 RBI, run) and freshman second baseman Pete Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.), (1-for-3, 4 RBI).

Freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.) also performed well, going 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI.

Freshman catcher Keith Plocharczyk (Shepard H.S.) chipped in a 2-for-2 afternoon with two runs.

Freshman starting pitcher Joe Ucho (De La Salle Institute) took the ball in the opener and tossed four solid innings to earn his staff-leading fifth win of the year.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Ucho surrendered just four scattered hits while walking two and striking out six.

Prairie State broke Game 1 open in the third inning, courtesy of a six-run frame, highlighted by a three-run double off the bat of Krygsheld.

PSC would add four more tallies in the fifth as Goshorn's two-run single proved to be the big hit of the inning.

Sophomore right-hander Zach Smerz (Reavis H.S.) moved his record to 4-4 on the year in Game 2, coming on in relief of freshman starter Cody Smith (T.F. South H.S.).

Smerz threw two frames, striking out two while giving up two runs on three hits.

At the plate, freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) went 1-for-3 with two RBIs and sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) turned in a 1-for-2, effort with two RBIs and a run.

With the contest tied 4-4 in the fourth, PSC grabbed a 7-4 lead in the sixth, thanks to a two-run single by Topps and Highland wild pitch that plated Krygsheld.

---

May 4, 2011
MORTON CLIPS PIONEERS IN NON-CONFERENCE TILT
The Prairie State College baseball team was unable to keep the emotional high of Tuesday's 4-2 win over perennial power Kankakee on track Wednesday, falling 5-1 to Morton in a non-conference skirmish in Chicago Heights.

The Pioneers (21-28) played the non-league contest immediately following the one-inning completion of an official Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference game against the Panthers, which had been halted due to darkness in the seventh inning on April 29.

PSC dropped the completed game 11-10.

Wednesday the Pioneers suffered a rough first inning, falling behind 4-0 and never quite recovered.

PSC scored its lone run in the seventh when freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.) crossed the plate following an RBI groundout off the bat of freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.).

Freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) was the only Prairie State hitter to record multiple hits, going 2-for-3 with a walk and stolen base.

Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute), sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) and Krygsheld all registered base hits in the game.

---

May 3, 2011
SMITH, DEFENSE HELP SHUT DOWN KANKAKEE
When the Prairie State College baseball team faced Kankakee back on April 7, there were few positives to speak of afterward.

A 17-1 loss has the tendency to do that.

What a difference 26 days can make in the progression of a baseball squad.

Tuesday afternoon in Chicago Heights, the Pioneers took their home field with confidence and thanks to a determined effort from freshman starting pitcher Cody Smith (T.F. South H.S.) sent the Cavaliers home packing courtesy of a 4-2 win.

Smith (2-1) allowed just a pair of first-inning runs on two hits in 7 1/3 innings of work, striking out eight while walking five.

Sophomore right-hander Zach Smerz (Reavis H.S.) worked 1 2/3 innings to lock down his second save of the campaign.

PSC (21-26) cut Kankakee's lead to 2-1 in the second courtesy of an RBI single off the bat of freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.).

PSC jumped ahead 3-2 in the sixth when sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) delivered an RBI triple, scoring freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.).

The speedy and alert Lally actually scored on the same play when an errant throw to third was off target.

Sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) drove home PSC's final tally in the eighth with a run-scoring single.

In addition to Schipits, Lally and Rohde, the Pioneers also received hits from Krygsheld, and freshman catcher Darren Slowik (Lockport H.S.).

---

May 2, 2011
SPONGBERG LEADS PIONEERS TO SPLIT
PALOS HILLS, Ill. — Freshman left-hander Brendan Spongberg (Shepard H.S.) turned in a stellar outing Monday afternoon and the Prairie State College baseball team earned a split with Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference rival Moraine Valley.

The Pioneers (20-26, 5-7) triumphed behind Spongberg in Game 1, winning 2-1 before falling by the same score in a tough nightcap.

The 6-foot, 214-pound Spongberg went the distance, earning his fourth win of the campaign, allowing only one unearned run on four paltry hits.

The hard-throwing southpaw also struck out seven.

At the plate, PSC was paced by a 2-for-3 opener from sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.).

Freshman designated hitter Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.) also delivered an identical 2-for-3 showing.

Trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning, PSC knotted the score thanks to Czarnecki's RBI safety to right-center field. Goshorn, who had singled, scored on the play.

Freshman second baseman Pete Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.) drove home the Pioneers' second run in the fifth when he plated freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.), who had reached via a single earlier in the frame.

Freshman hurler Joe Ucho (De La Salle Institute) took the hard-luck loss in Game 2, pitching well despite receiving very little offensive support.

Ucho went six innings, allowing just two runs, neither of which were earned, on four hits while fanning seven and walking five.

Prairie State actually out-hit the Cyclones 5-4 in the nightcap, but were unable to post a big inning.

The Pioneers scored their lone run courtesy of an RBI single off the bat of Goshorn in the fourth.

Freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) proved to be the only multi-hit performer for PSC in Game 2, going 2-for-3 with a walk.

---

May 1, 2011
BIG DAY FROM LALLY LIFTS PIONEERS
Prairie State College sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) put together a performance that’s bound to turn some heads Sunday.

The 6-foot, 165-pound Lally went 5-for-6 with six RBIs, two home runs and two triples in the Pioneers’ doubleheader sweep of Illinois Valley in Chicago Heights.

The Pioneers (19-25) downed Illinois Valley 8-5 and 7-6 in Chicago Heights.

Lally produced a 2-for-2  contest in Game 1 with a pair of home runs and five RBIs.

Freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) also played well, going 3-for-3 with two runs and a double.

Freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.) also turned in a strong effort as well, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Lally gave PSC a 4-0 lead in the third inning when he launched a two-run homer.

The left-handed hitting slugger helped extend that lead to 7-0 when he crushed a three-run bomb in the fourth.

In the nightcap, Lally went 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI.

Topps also turned in a strong effort, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The Pioneers also picked up a third-inning two-run homer off the bat of sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn.

---

April 29, 2011
PIONEERS ENCOUNTER ROUGH DAY AGAINST MORTON
The Prairie State College baseball team found itself in a tough situation Friday afternoon in Chicago Heights.

The Pioneers (17-26, 4-7) fell in their first game with Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference foe Morton 4-3 before dropping an 11-10 decision in the nightcap.

PSC picked up strong efforts from freshman right fielder Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.), (3-for-4, run), freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.), (2-for-3, RBI) and sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn (1-for-2, run, double) in the opener.

Morton jumped on the board in the fourth, tallying four times to take a 4-0 lead.

PSC cut the Panthers' advantage to 4-3 in its half of the fourth, courtesy of RBI singles off the bats of freshman pinch hitter Casey Tietz (Carl Sandburg H.S.) and Johnson.

Trailing 11-4 in the sixth inning of the nightcap, Prairie State went to work, tallying six times in the sixth to trim the advantage to 11-10.

A pair of two-run singles by Goshorn and sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) and run-scoring double from freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.) provided the bulk of the damage.

Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute), (2-for-3, 2 runs, walk, stolen base), Goshorn (2-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 runs, 2 doubles, walk), Shipits (2-for-4, 2 RBI, run) and Johnson (2-for-4, RBI) all had themselves big days in Game 2.

---

April 28, 2011
CRAFTY MOUND WORK AND TIMELY HITTING HELP PIONEERS UPEND NO.5 JOLIET
When the Prairie State College baseball team went up against perennial power Joliet April 8, they fell 5-4 in a hard-fought, well-played contest.

Thursday afternoon in Chicago Heights, the Pioneers again hung tough and played strong.

However this time, the outcome finally went in their favor.

PSC (17-24) downed NJCAA No. 5 Joliet 2-1 in blustery conditions.

Thursday’s cold temperatures and bone-chilling winds certainly favored the trio of PSC pitchers that were used in the tilt.

Sophomore Kenny Paulsen (Bloom Trail H.S.) took the ball and pitched well, earning his second triumph of the campaign.

The 5-foot-11, 165-pound right-hander worked the game’s first five innings, surrendering just a lone run on two paltry hits while striking out three and walking a pair.

Freshman reliever John Rafferty (St. Laurence H.S.) dealt a clean 1 2/3 innings before giving way to fellow freshman Joe Ucho (De La Salle Institute) who handled the final 2 1/3 to lock down his first save of the year.

Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) provided all the offense the Pioneers would need, cracking a first-inning, two-run double to right-center. Lally’s ringing two-bagger scored freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) and freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.).

Freshman Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.), (2-for-3, double), Topps (1-for-3, stolen base) were the only other Pioneers, other than Lally, to collect hits.

---

April 23, 2011
PIONEERS SPLIT WITH ELGIN
The Prairie State College baseball team split a pair of games with Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference opponent Elgin on Saturday in Chicago Heights.

Prairie State (16-24, 4-6) dropped a tough 4-3 decision in Game 1 before going on to knock off the Spartans 8-2 in the nightcap.

Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a pair of triples in Game 1 while freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.) went 1-for-1 with an RBI in the opener.

Trailing 4-1 in Game 1, the Pioneers launched a valiant comeback, cutting the lead to one with a two-run seventh inning.

A two-run triple off the bat of Lally plated both freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.) and freshman catcher Darren Slowik (Lockport H.S.). Unfortunately, Lally was left stranded at third base as the Pioneers were unable to bring him in.

The nightcap got off to a much more favorable start for PSC as the Pioneers plated a trio of runs in the second, courtesy of an RBI single off the bat of freshman first baseman Josh Hine (Oak Forest H.S.) and run-scoring double by sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.).

Lally added a line-drive solo home run to right in the third. The Pioneers tacked on a quartet of tallies in the fourth, as Lally drew a bases-loaded walk and sophomore designated hitter Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) was hit by a pitch with the bags packed.

Rohde turned in a 3-for-3 outing in Game 2.

The Pioneers also picked up a solid effort from freshman pitcher Joe Ucho (De La Salle Institute).

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder ran his season record to 4-2 with a six-inning, five-strikeout performance. Ucho allowed just three hits while walking three.

Ucho’s five punchouts raised his team-leading total to 48 on the season.

---

April 21, 2011
PIONEERS FALL TO HEARTLAND

NORMAL, Ill. — The Prairie State College baseball team fell to host Heartland by a 9-2

count in non-conference action Thursday.

The Pioneers (15-23) hung tough through seven innings before surrendering six runs in a game-breaking seventh.

PSC picked up a strong offensive effort from sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.).

The 6-foot-4 Goshorn went 3-for-4.

The Pioneers tallied their first run in the seventh, trailing 3-0 as sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) ripped an RBI single, scoring freshman right fielder Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.), (1-for-4, run).

Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) tallied the Pioneers' final run in the ninth when he walked and eventually raced home on a wild pitch.

---

April 15, 2011
SWIDERSKI, PIONEERS KNOCK OUT OLIVE-HARVEY
After enduring a rough start to a campaign that began with some pretty stiff competition, the Prairie State College baseball team has found itself in a nice groove lately.

And the good vibes continued Friday as the Pioneers blasted visiting Olive-Harvey 15-1 in Chicago Heights.

With the win, Prairie State (15-22) takes another step toward the .500 mark.

The Pioneers pounded out 13 hits to Olive-Harvey’s five and picked up a 4-for-4 afternoon from freshman right fielder Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.).

Freshman second baseman Pete Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.), (2-for-4, 2 runs, RBI), freshman catcher Keith Plocharczyk (Shepard H.S.), (2-for-3, 3 runs, RBI), sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.), (2-for-5, 2 RBIs, run) and sophomore shortstop Marcel Barner (Thornridge H.S.), (1-for-2, 2 RBIs, run)  also proved to be hitting stars for the Pioneers.

Lost in the drama of PSC’s hit parade was the strong effort from sophomore starting pitcher Pete Swiderski

(Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.).

The 6-foot, 189-pound Swiderski (2-0) threw six strong innings, shutting out Olive-Harvey on the scoreboard while scattering five hits, striking out five and walking two.

Freshman reliever John Rafferty (St. Laurence H.S.) worked the seventh.

PSC grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first when Krygsheld raced home courtesy of a wild pitch.

The Pioneers posted a six-run third, highlighted by an RBI single from Rhode and booming two-run triple off the fence in left-center off the bat of freshman designated hitter Casey Tietz (Carl Sandburg H.S.).

Prairie State constructed another six-run frame in the fifth as Barner’s RBI safety scored Czarnecki.

---

April 14, 2011
PIONEERS TAKE DOWN ROCK VALLEY
ROCKFORD, Ill. — The Prairie State College baseball team scored a pair of wins Thursday, courtesy of a non-conference doubleheader sweep of Rock Valley.

The Pioneers (14-22) picked up a sterling complete-game mound-effort from sophomore right-hander Zach Smerz (Reavis H.S.). The 6-foot-, 165-pound Smerz allowed just two runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out two.

At the plate, PSC received a big Game 1 effort from freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.), (2-for-3, RBI, run, stolen base).

Sophomore designated hitter Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.), (2-for-4, RBI, 2B), freshman left fielder Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.), (1-for-3, 2 RBIs, run), freshman catcher Keith Plocharczyk (Shepard H.S.), (2-for-4, RBI, run, stolen base) and sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute), (1-for-4, RBI, run) all turned in strong openers.

PSC broke Game 1 open courtesy of a five-run third inning.

Highlights of the frame included RBI doubles from Krygsheld and Lally, along with a run-scoring safety off the bat of Czarnecki.

Freshman left-hander Brendan Spongberg (Shepard H.S.) ran his season record to 3-2 with a solid outing in the nightcap.

The 6-foot, 214-pound southpaw worked six innings, allowing a run on eight scattered hits while fanning three.

Goshorn had another strong showing with the bat, going 3-for-4 with two runs.

Lally (2-for-3, 2 RBI), freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.), (2-for-4, RBI, two runs), Lally (2-for-3, 2 RBI) and freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.), (1-for-4 2 RBI) all performed well in Game 2.

Run-scoring singles from Lally and Czarnecki along with a two-RBI safety by Schipits highlighted a five-run fourth which helped to effectively put the game out of reach.

---

April 13, 2011
LALLY, KRYGSHELD HELP LEAD THE WAY IN WIN OVER HARPER
PALATINE, Ill. — On a picture-perfect day for a ball game, the Prairie State College baseball team wanted to make sure it left Harper with the picture-perfect result: A win.

That the Pioneers did, grounding the Hawks 10-4 Wednesday in a nine-inning, non-conference contest.

PSC (12-22) received several strong efforts, led by sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute), (3-for-5, 2 RBI, run, 2 stolen bases, double).

Freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.), (2-for-3, 3 RBI, 4 runs, stolen base), freshman designated hitter Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.), (2-for-4, 2 RBI) and sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.), (2-for-5, 2 runs, stolen base) all made major contributions.

Sophomore pitcher Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) took the mound and tossed three strong innings, allowing four runs on six hits while walking two.

Fellow sophomore Kenny Paulsen (Bloom Trail H.S.) spelled Goshorn in the fourth and went the rest of the way, shutting Harper down while surrendering just five scattered hits.

The 5-foot-11, 163-pound Paulsen also struck out three en route to his first win of the season.

The Pioneers grabbed a 1-0 first-inning lead courtesy of an RBI single from Czarnecki.

After Harper had tied the contest in the second, PSC took a 3-1 lead in the third, thanks in part to a run-scoring single off the bat of Krygsheld.

PSC constructed a four-run frame in the fourth. Highlights of the big inning included a two-run safety to right by Krygsheld, sacrifice fly from Czarnecki and RBI single by freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.).

Freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps’ (St. Laurence H.S.) sacrifice fly and Lally’s two-run double plated PSC three additional tallies in the fifth.

---

April 12, 2011
PIONEERS SPLIT PAIR WITH MCHENRY

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. — The Prairie State College baseball team earned a doubleheader split with Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference rival McHenry Tuesday.

The Pioneers (11-22, 3-5) dropped the opener 11-4 before rebounding to take the nightcap 5-2.

PSC picked up several solid efforts in the Game 2 triumph.

Freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) led the way, going 3-for-4 with two runs, a double and stolen base.

Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) also drove in a pair of runs, courtesy of a 1-for-4 effort.

On the mound, freshman pitcher Cody Smith (T.F. South H.S.), (1-0) earned his first win of the year after working 5.1 solid innings where he allowed just two runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out three.

With the game tied at two, the Pioneers broke through with a three-run fifth, highlighted by an RBI double by Lally and two-run single from, freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.).

Schipits also put together a strong effort in Game 1, going 2-for-3 with a pair of RBIs.

---

April 9, 2011
STRONG, PITCHING, TIMELY HITTING PROVE TO BE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
As far as the Prairie State College baseball team was concerned, Saturday’s doubleheader against Lake County had a little bit of everything.

The Pioneers (10-21, 2-4) used strong starting pitching in both games, outstanding defense and some much-needed offense to upend their Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference counterparts 2-1 and 11-3 in Chicago Heights.

Sophomore right-hander Zach Smerz (Reavis H.S.) starred on the bump in Game 1, going the distance en route to his second win of the campaign. The 6-foot, 165-pound Smerz allowed just one run on five scattered hits while walking one and striking out four.

After allowing a first-inning run, the veteran settled down and never let the Lancers back into the contest.

PSC scored both of its runs of the opener in the second inning when sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute), (2-for-3, run, triple, stolen base), who had tripled to lead off the frame, was driven home by freshman first baseman T.J. Seibt’s (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) RBI single.

Freshman right fielder Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.), who was plunked by a pitch three times in Game 1, raced home on a run-scoring safety from freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.).

Freshman left-handed starter Brendan Spongberg (Shepard H.S.) started the nightcap and was also impressive, improving his season record to 2-2 with a six-inning outing.

Spongberg allowed just two runs on five hits while walking two and fanning six.

Sophomore reliever Marcel Barner (Thornridge H.S.) threw the seventh and recorded the final three outs of the game.

PSC took a 4-0 lead in the second inning of Game 2 as sophomore designated hitter Mark Scott (Marian Catholic H.S.) registered an RBI single and freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) ripped a two-run double.

Another run-scoring safety from Topps and a sacrifice fly off the bat of freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian  H.S.) in the fourth, helped PSC establish a 6-2 advantage.

An RBI double by freshman catcher Keith Plocharczyk (Shepard H.S.) and booming two-run home run to left by Scott in the fifth, helped seal the game.

Scott (3-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 runs), Topps (2-for-3, 3 RBI, run), Schipits (2-for-4) and Plocharczyk (2-for-2, RBI, 2 runs) all turned in productive night caps.

---

April 8, 2011
PIONEERSWIND UP ON SHORT SIDE OF ANOTHER CLOSE ONE
JOLIET, Ill. — Entering Friday’s non-conference tilt against local foe Joliet, the Prairie State College baseball team had 11 one-run defeats on its ledger this season.

Unfortunately, and despite a valiant effort, the Pioneers were unable to prevent that tally from reaching 12.

PSC fell to the NJCAA’s third-ranked team 5-4 in an intense, well-played skirmish on both sides.

The Pioneers (8-21) grabbed a 3-0 third-inning lead, but were unable to hang on.

PSC received a strong mound effort from sophomore starting pitcher Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.), (1-3).

The 6-foot-4 Goshorn, who had been nursing an injured hamstring, tossed five solid innings, allowing four earned runs on seven hits while striking out four and walking three.

Prairie State also witnessed a trio of strong efforts at the plate, led by freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.), who went 3-for-4 with an RBI and run from the leadoff spot. He also ran down a pair of tough defensive chances.

Freshman right fielder Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.) went 2-for-3 with an RBI and walk while freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.) also went 2-for-3 and scored.

The Pioneers scored two of their third-inning runs courtesy of a botched Joliet pickoff attempt. A bases-loaded walk to Czarnecki resulted in the third tally.

PSC took a 4-1 lead in the fourth thanks to an RBI single off the bat of Topps.

Joliet completed its scoring in the home half of the fourth, tagging Goshorn for four runs.

Sophomore right-hander Pete Swiderski (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) and freshman reliever John Rafferty (St. Laurence H.S.) picked up Goshorn nicely after his five frames, shutting the Wolves down the rest of the way.

---

April 7, 2011
STRONG EFFORT FROM SCHIPITS NOT ENOUGH
KANKAKEE, Ill. — The Prairie State College baseball team was unable to keep the momentum of a sterling 3-2 win over local rival South Suburban on Wednesday flowing, suffering a 17-1 setback to traditional NJCAA Region IV powerhouse Kankakee.

The Pioneers (8-20) did pick up a strong effort at the plate from freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.).

The 5-foot-11, 158-pound Schipits went 2-for-2 with a walk and scored the Pioneers' only run of the contest. He was also the only Prairie State hitter to record multiple hits.

PSC scored its run in the second inning when a ball off the bat of freshman second baseman Peter Krygshled (Illiana Christian H.S.) was misplayed by Kankakee's second baseman, allowing Schipits, who had singled, to race home.

---

April 6, 2011
UCHO, PIONEERS TAME BULLDOGS
Prairie State College freshman pitcher Joe Ucho (De La Salle Institute) climbed the mound against local rival South Suburban Wednesday and was all business.

The 6-foot-2, 191-pound Ucho fired off his most impressive outing of the season to date, keeping the Bulldogs off balance for much of the afternoon en route to a dramatic 3-2 PSC victory in Chicago Heights.

The Pioneers' triumph helped avenge a 6-5, 14-inning loss to South Suburban on March 16.

Ucho ran his season record to 3-1 with the win, coming just one out shy of finishing what he had started.

The lanky Ucho worked a commanding 8 2/3 innings, allowing just two runs on three hits while walking four and striking out six. The hard-throwing right-hander also carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning and during one stretch that spanned parts of the second through fourth innings, retired eight consecutive hitters.

South Suburban tallied a first-inning run off Ucho and held a 1-0 advantage until the third when freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S) led off the frame with a single.

Johnson was then sacrificed to second by freshman shortstop Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) and eventually tied the contest thanks to an RBI double by freshman designated hitter Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.).

The Pioneers (8-19) grabbed a 2-1 lead in the seventh when freshman catcher T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.), who led off the inning with a double, scored following an RBI single off the bat of sophomore third baseman Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute).

After the Bulldogs knotted the score in the eighth, Lally drove home the go-ahead tally in the home half of the inning when he was hit in the foot by a pitch with the bases loaded.

After retiring the first two hitters in the ninth, Ucho began to labor, issuing a walk and base hit before giving way to freshman closer John Rafferty (St. Laurence H.S.).

Rafferty and his sidearm delivery fanned the final hitter of the contest to convert his second save of the campaign.

Seibt (2-for-3, 2 doubles) was the only Pioneer to record multiple hits.

Lally (1-for-4, 2 RBI, stolen base) and Czarnecki (1-for-2, RBI, double, twice hit by pitch) both helped fill up the box score.

---

April 5, 2011
PIONEERS SUFFER PAIR OF SETBACKS AT OAKTON
DES PLAINES, Ill. — The Prairie State College baseball team was unable to keep the good vibes of an encouraging doubleheader sweep over Sauk Valley churning against Oakton on Tuesday.

The Pioneers (7-19, 0-4) dropped their Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference twin bill against the Raiders by final counts of 7-3 and 7-1.

PSC was paced at the plate in both contests by sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute).

The 6-foot Lally went 2-for-4 in Game 1 with an RBI and run.

Trailing 3-0 in the third inning, Lally drove home freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) with an RBI triple.

Freshman third baseman Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.) scored Prairie State's second run when freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.) grounded into a double play in the fourth.

Lally scored a run of his own in the seventh when he touched the plate following a run-scoring double off the bat of sophomore designated hitter Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.).

The Pioneers scored their lone run of Game 2 in the third when Johnson, who had reached base with a single, scored on Lally's RBI single.

---

April 3, 2011
PIONEERS TAKE TWO FROM SAUK VALLEY
Resiliency is a key component to any successful team.

The Prairie State College baseball team showed some of this on Sunday.

The Pioneers (7-17), who dropped a pair of heart-breaking games against Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference foe Waubonsee on Saturday, bounced back in a big way, downing Sauk Valley 3-2 and 10-4 in Chicago Heights.

Sophomore pitcher Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) took the ball in Game 1 and delivered a solid outing, going six strong innings, en route to his first win of the campaign. The 6-foot-4, 204-pound right-hander allowed two runs on six hits, while walking four and striking out six.

Fellow sophomore Zach Smerz (Reavis H.S.) came on in relief of Goshorn and fired a scoreless seventh frame, converting his first save of the spring.

PSC picked up a strong offensive effort from freshman first baseman T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) in Game 1.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Seibt went 2-for-3 in the opener.

The Pioneers took a 2-0 lead in the first when sophomore third baseman Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) drove home freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.) when he reached base courtesy of a Sauk Valley infield error.

Freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.) plated Lally two hitters later when he lifted a long sacrifice fly to left.

Lally brought home freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) with a sacrifice fly of his own in the third.

Topps and Schipits both posted solid outings in the nightcap as Topps went 2-for-3 with a run and RBI while Schipits swung his way to a 2-for-3 performance with three RBIs and a run.

The Pioneers cracked Game 2 wide open with a seven-run fifth, highlighted by a three-run triple off the bat of Schipits.

---

April 2, 2011
PIONEERS DROP FIRST TWO CONFERENCE CONTESTS
SUGAR GROVE, Ill. — The Prairie State College baseball team found itself in prime position to lock down a win in each of its first two Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference games Saturday, but ended up leaving Sugar Grove empty-handed.

The Pioneers (5-17, 0-2) dropped a pair of heart-wrenching contests to Waubonsee, falling to the Chiefs 9-8 and 7-6.

In both contests, Waubonsee earned a win courtesy of a walk-off hit in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Prairie State picked up two solid individual performances from freshman right fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.), (1-for-3, 3 RBI) and sophomore center fielder Mark Scott (Marian Catholic H.S.), (1-for-3, RBI, run).

What made Saturday's Game 1 particularly frustrating for the Pioneers was the fact that they posted a five-run first inning.

The big frame was highlighted by an RBI double by Topps and run-scoring single off the bat of sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute).

Unfortunately, the Pioneers gave those runs right back two innings later as the Chiefs tallied six times in the third. Waubonsee also scored twice in the fourth.

PSC took a run back in the fourth, courtesy of an RBI groundout by freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.).

The Pioneers also scored twice in the fifth when freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.) cracked an RBI double, cutting Waubonsee's advantage to 8-7 before Topps tied the game with a single, one batter later.

The Pioneers showed plenty of fight in Game 2 as well, after they fell behind 4-0 after two.

PSC stormed back with a four-run frame of their own in the third, when Topps, once again, came through with runner on, ripping a two-run double to cut Waubonsee's advantage to 4-2.

After Krygsheld laid down a sacrifice bunt, moving Topps to third, Lally launched a mammoth two-run home run to right-center, tying the contest.

PSC took a 6-4 lead in the fourth when Topps drew a bases-loaded walk and Krygsheld drove in a run with a fielder's choice.

---

March 31, 2011
SMERZ, PIONEERS DUMP HIGHLAND
FREEPORT, Ill. — Both hitting and defense took their respective turns in the limelight Thursday afternoon for the Prairie State College baseball team.

The Pioneers (5-15) took both ends of their doubleheader against host Highland, coming out on top in an 11-5 slugfest in the opener before squeaking out a 2-0 triumph in the nightcap.

Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) led the way in Game 1, going 2-for-5 with three RBIs, two runs and a pair of stolen bases.

Freshman T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) was also impressive, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run.
On the hill, freshman Brendan Spongberg (Shepard H.S.) went six solid innings, allowing four runs on six hits while walking three and striking out five.

The Pioneers used a five-run third, highlighted by a two-run single by freshman designated hitter Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.) to take a 7-0 lead and break the game open.

Sophomore starting pitcher Zach Smerz (Reavis H.S.) was the star of the nightcap, earning his first win of the year thanks to a sterling performance.

The 6-foot, 165-pound Smerz went the distance, tossing a two-hit shutout. The hard-throwing right-hander didn't walk a batter and fanned six.

Smerz kept a no-hitter intact through six innings, retiring 16 straight batters from the first through sixth frames. The first two hitters in the bottom of the seventh broke up his gem with singles.

Prairie State took a 1-0 lead in the fifth courtesy of a sacrifice fly off the bat of freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.), which plated sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.).

Goshorn, freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) and freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.) were the only Pioneers to collect multiple hits in Game 2.

---

March 26, 2011
PIONEERS STUMBLE IN FLORIDA FINALE
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The Prairie State College baseball team closed out its spring trip on a sour note Saturday afternoon, falling to Polk State 10-0 and 9-1.

The Pioneers (3-15) were only able to muster up one hit in Game 1.

Freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.) recorded PSC’s only safety, a base hit in the fifth inning.

Prairie State was able to scratch out six hits in the nightcap.

The Pioneers tallied their lone run in the second inning when sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) raced home courtesy of an RBI single off the bat of freshman right fielder Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.).

In addtion to Czarnecki, PSC received base hits from Goshorn, freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.), sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute), freshman designated hitter T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) and sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.).

---

March 25, 2011
UCHO, TOPPS, SCOTT CARRY PIONEERS TO VICTORY
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — Fresh off a tough doubleheader sweep at the hands of Community College of Rhode Island, the Prairie State College baseball team was in serious need of a solid win.

Freshman Joe Ucho obliged.

The 6-foot-2, 191-pound Ucho (De La Salle Institute) went eight strong innings, helping PSC earn a well-deserved 10-1 triumph over the Fontbonne University JV Friday afternoon.

Ucho surrendered one run on just five scattered hits while walking four and striking out a career-high 10.

The Pioneers (3-13) also delivered at the plate, showing a glimpse of what their offensive capabilities can truly be.

PSC pounded out 11 hits, five of which went for extra bases.

Leading the charge was freshman center fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.). The versatile Topps went 2-for-3 with an RBI, two runs a double, triple and a pair of walks.

Freshman catcher T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) also had a strong day, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a run and two doubles.

Sophomore left fielder Mark Scott (Marian Catholic H.S.) burned up the base paths, stealing three bases in a 1-for-2 performance which included three walks. He also scored two runs.

Freshman third baseman Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.), (2-for-4, RBI, run, walk), sophomore first baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.), (2-for-5, 2 RBI) also contributed.

The Pioneers, who built a 4-1 lead through four innings, blew the game wide open in the sixth with a five-run frame, highlighted by RBI singles by Czarnecki and Rhode.

Photo Caption: Josh Johnson had a strong showing at the plate in Game 1 of Thursday’s doubleheader.

---

March 24, 2011
PIONEERS CAN’T OUTLAST RHODE ISLAND
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The old adage “put this one behind us” could certainly apply to the Prairie State College baseball team Thursday afternoon.

Actually, the Pioneers (2-13) would like to put two behind them.

PSC dropped both ends of a doubleheader with the Community College of Rhode Island by final counts of 12-5 and 6-5.

Prairie State pounded out eight hits in the opener.

Freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.) went 2-for-4 with a run and two stolen bases.

Freshman right fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) also went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

PSC made things interesting in their half of the seventh, trailing 12-1, the Pioneers tallied four times in the final frame, courtesy of an RBI single by freshman catcher T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.).

Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) led the way in Game 2, turning in a 2-for-4 showing with an RBI and run.

Seibt (1-for-3, 2 RBIs, run, stolen base, double) and sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.), (2-for-3, RBI) also had strong nightcaps.

On the mound, sophomore right-hander Zach Smerz came on in relief in the second inning and performed well, allowing just two runs on seven hits while walking one.

---

March 22, 2011
PSC SUFFERS ROUGH DAY AGAINST ST. PETERSBURG
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The Prairie State College baseball team found itself up against a tough opponent Tuesday, struggling to produce enough offense to down NJCAA perennial power St. Petersburg.

The Pioneers (2-11) were upended 10-0 in Game 1 and 11-3 in the nightcap.

Prairie State was only able to scratch out three hits in the opener, as freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.), freshman third baseman Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.) and freshman first baseman Cody Smith (T.F. South H.S.) collected base hits.

The Pioneers’ bats did come back to life in the nightcap however as PSC ripped out a 10-hit attack.

Unfortunately, the offensive barrage wasn’t enough to overcome a six-run St. Petersburg fifth inning.

Krygsheld put together a solid effort in Game 2, going 2-for-4 with a double while sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) chipped in a 2-for-3 effort with a pair of RBIs and a run.

Freshman first baseman T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a double and freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.) chipped in a 2-for-3 effort with a run.

The Pioneers tallied all of their runs in the fifth inning.

Trailing 8-0, Lally drove home a pair with an RBI triple. The fleet-footed Lally crossed the plate one hitter later when he scored on Seibt’s double.

---

March 21, 2011
PIONEERS BOUNCED BY GENESEE
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The Prairie State College baseball team found itself unable to garner a win Tuesday, falling to Genesee in both ends of a doubleheader 6-5 and 5-0.

The Pioneers are currently 2-9 on the campaign.

PSC picked up a pair of solid efforts in the opener from freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.).

The 5-foot-8, 165-pound Krygsheld went 3-for-4 with an RBI.

Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) turned in a solid 3-for-4 effort with a pair of RBIs and a stolen base.

PSC plated a trio of first-inning runs, taking a 3-0 lead courtesy of a Krygsheld RBI single and two-run safety off the bat of freshman third baseman Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.).

Prairie State was only able to muster five hits in the nightcap as sophomore center fielder Mark Scott (Marian Catholic H.S.), Krygsheld, Lally, first baseman T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) and freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.) were all recorded singles.

---

March 20, 2011
UCHO HELPS PIONEERS EARN SPLIT WITH BURLINGTON
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — Prairie State College freshman right-hander Joe Ucho (De La Salle Institute) was armed with his ‘A-Game’ Sunday afternoon in the first game of a doubleheader against Burlington.

The Pioneers won that contest 4-0 before dropping the nightcap 4-2.

Ucho was clearly the star of the opener, tossing a complete-game shutout in his strongest outing of the year.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder worked all seven innings, allowing just three hits while walking four and striking out five in a sterling performance.

The lanky Ucho also received plenty of help from his outfielders as the trio of sophomore center fielder Mark Scott (Marian Catholic H.S.), freshman right fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) and freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.) chased down and recorded seven fly-ball putouts.

At the plate, Scott turned in a 1-for-2 game with a run and two walks. Freshman second baseman Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.), (1-for-4, RBI), freshman third baseman Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.), (1-for-3, RBI) and sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.), (1-for-2, run) all made contributions.

The Pioneers grabbed a 1-0 lead in the fifth, when a ground ball off the bat of Krygsheld was mishandled by Burlington’s third baseman, allowing Goshorn to race home.

PSC plated three runs in their half of the seventh, courtesy of an RBI single by Krygsheld, a run-scoring groundout by sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) and RBI single by Czarnecki.

Lally and Johnson both turned in 2-for-3 efforts in the nightcap with Lally recording a run and Johnson an RBI.

Topps (1-for-2, run, double, walk), freshman catcher T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.), (1-for-3, double) and Czarnecki (1-for-3, RBI) all posted solid games.

Johnson scored Topps in the fifth with an RBI double. PSC closed out its scoring courtesy of an RBI groundout by Czarnecki in the fifth, plating Lally.

---

March 19, 2011
PIONEERS OPEN SPRING TRIP WITH PAIR OF SETBACKS
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The Prairie State College baseball team didn’t exactly get its spring trip off to an ideal start Saturday.

The Pioneers (1-6) dropped a hard-fought afternoon doubleheader with Rochester (Minn.) 3-2 in 10 innings and 10-7.

PSC wasted a strong start from freshman starter Brendan Spongberg (Shepard H.S.) in the opener. The 6-foot, 214-pound Spongberg worked 6.1 innings, allowing just two runs (one earned) on seven hits while striking out one, en route to a no-decision.

At the plate, sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) went 2-for-4 with a walk.

Freshman second baseman Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.) went 2-for-5 while freshman designated hitter T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.) went 1-for-4 with an RBI..

Prairie State made it a 2-1 game following a Seibt RBI single in the sixth.

The Pioneers tied the contest in the seventh when a ground ball off the bat of Lally was misplayed by Rochester’s second baseman, allowing pinch runner Peter Krygsheld (Illiana Christian H.S.) to race home.

Czarnecki turned in a fine effort in the nightcap, going 1-for-2 with four RBIs, a run and a walk.

The crown jewel of the 5-foot-7 Czarnecki’s performance was a second-inning three-run triple, which gave the Pioneers a 4-2 advantage.

Czarnecki was also credited with an RBI in the fifth, when he drew a bases-loaded walk.

Also turning in strong outings in the nightcap were Krygsheld (2-for-3, double, RBI, run) and freshman left fielder Joe Sadowski (St. Laurence H.S.), (2-for-3, RBI, run).

Lally also posted a 1-for-4 effort with a run and triple of his own.

---

March 16, 2011
PIONEERS FALL SHORT IN MARATHON OUTING
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. --- Fueled by a rich local flavor and the fact that just a few miles separate the two campuses; the rivalry between Prairie State College and South Suburban has always had a high-octane level of intensity.

Wednesday, the 2011 diamond addition of the rivalry was in full swing and

Unfortunately, the Pioneers, despite an admirable effort, were not able to upend their neighbors to the south.

Prairie State (1-4) fell to the Bulldogs 6-5 on a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 14th inning.

In a game in which hits were hard to come by, freshman catcher T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.)still collected a pair of safeties, including a towering solo home run in the top of the fifth.

Seibt's blast gave the Pioneers a comfortable 5-0 lead.

PSC opened the scoring with a four-run fourth.

The big inning was highlighted by RBI singles from Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.) and Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.)as well as a run-scoring double off the bat of sophomore third baseman Bobby Rohde (Homewood-Flossmoor
H.S.).

Freshman left fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) capped the strong frame with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Schipits.

After the Bulldogs had knotted the contest in the ninth, the Pioneers had a chance to vault ahead once again in the 13th as sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) led off the inning with a double. The speedy
Lally eventually advanced to third on a throwing error by South Suburban's shortstop.

Despite the promising start, PSC was unable to push across a run.

---

March 13, 2011
PIONEERS DROP HEART-BREAKER ON ROAD
VINCENNES, Ind. — The Prairie State College baseball team was unable to make a 3-0 ninth-inning advantage hold up Sunday afternoon, falling to Vincennes 4-3 in 10 innings.

The Pioneers (1-3) also couldn’t capitalize on a strong pitching effort from sophomore starter Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.). The 6-foot-4 Goshorn threw 6 1/3 shutout innings, surrendering just four harmless hits while walking one.

Prairie State grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top half of the third when freshman outfielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.) drew a bases-loaded walk.

Freshman left fielder Jimmy Topps (St. Laurence H.S.) gave the Pioneers a 2-0 edge in the ninth when he laced a one-out RBI single to right. Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) plated Schipits later in the frame with an RBI groundout.

After tying the contest in the home half of the ninth, Vincennes claimed the win when Steve Lowden led of the 10th with a home run.

Topps turned in the Pioneers’ strongest offensive effort of the afternoon, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Lally went 1-for-4 with an RBI and triple.

---

March 12, 2011
PIONEERS DROP TWO
VINCENNES, Ind. — The Prairie State College baseball team, following a solid 5-4 win in its season-opening contest with Vincennes on Friday, was primed and ready to play two games on Saturday.

Unfortunately, the Pioneers dropped both of their Saturday games, falling to Vincennes 3-2 and Kaskaskia 12-7 in six innings.

PSC (1-3) did have several solid performances in both contest however.

Sophomore center fielder Mark Scott (Marian Catholic H.S.) went 1-for-3 against Vincennes with a two-run double and played a solid center field.

Sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) went 1-for-2 with a walk, run and stolen base.

Freshman starting pitcher Brendan Spongberg (Shepard H.S.) turned in a strong effort, but came up with a no-decision. The 6-foot Spongberg tossed 6.1 innings, allowing three runs on four hits while walking one and striking out eight.

Vincennes won the contest with a walk-off hit in the bottom of the seventh.

Against Kaskaskia, sophomore first baseman Mike Goshorn (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.), (2-for-4, 2 RBIs, run), freshman catcher T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.), (1-for-4, 2 RBIs), Scott (1-for-3, 2 RBIs, stolen base) and freshman outfielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.), (2 runs) all played well.

---

March 11, 2011
LALLY, PIONEERS GET OFF TO QUICK START IN SEASON-OPENER
VINCENNES, Ind. — It didn’t take long for Prairie State College sophomore shortstop Tom Lally (De La Salle Institute) to make a positive impression on the 2011 season Friday afternoon.

The left-handed hitting Lally blasted a long solo home run in his first at bat of the season to lead off the game and jump-start the Pioneers’ offense, helping propel PSC to a 5-4 season-opening victory over Vincennes.

Lally went 2-for-5 on the day with both a pair of RBIs and runs.

Freshman left fielder Josh Johnson (St. Laurence H.S.) also swung a hot bat, turning in a 2-for-4 outing with a stolen base.

Sophomore center fielder Mark Scott (Marian Catholic H.S.) went 1-for-2 with an RBI and two runs.

Freshman catcher T.J. Seibt (Lincoln-Way Central H.S.), (1-for-4, walk), freshman third baseman Joe Czarnecki (Reavis H.S.), (1-for-3, run) and freshman right fielder Mike Schipits (Oak Forest H.S.), (1-for-3, run) all made contributions.

Sophomore pitcher Pete Swiderski (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.) earned the win in relief of sophomore starter Zach Smerz (Reavis H.S.). The 6-foot, 206-pound Swiderski worked 2 1/3 innings, allowing just two runs on one hit while walking one and striking out three.

Freshman John Rafferty picked up his first collegiate save, tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing no hits while fanning 2.

Trailing 2-1 in the seventh, Lally delivered again, driving home Scott (single) with an RBI single.

The Pioneers took advantage of a Scott RBI safety, a Vincennes throwing error and wild pitch in the eighth, staking their claim to a 5-2 lead.

---

New York Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson (center, front) visited with the Prairie State baseball team Dec. 15. (click on photo to enlarge)

December 15, 2010
YANKEES’ GRANDERSON HITS HOME RUN WITH MOTIVATIONAL MESSAGE
New York Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson is known throughout baseball circles as a “five-tool” player, a unique brand of athlete possessing the skills necessary to hit for both power and a solid batting average, coupled with good speed, a strong throwing arm and exceptional fielding ability.

Needless to say, players of that caliber are a rare find.

Wednesday evening Granderson visited the Prairie State College campus and revealed to the PSC baseball team something else that makes him rare.

Granderson, who delivered an inspiring message to the Pioneers as they prepare to embark on their 2011 season, informed the team that he is one of only 33 current major league players who possess a college degree.

The left-handed hitting leadoff man graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago with a double major in Business Management and Business Marketing. He listed those degrees among his proudest accomplishments in a lifetime full of achievement.

The focal point of the former 2009 American League All-Star’s message was quite clear: Before business can be taken care of on the field, it must first be taken care of in the class room.

Granderson, who spoke to the team uninterrupted for 30 minutes before fielding questions from both players and coaches for nearly an hour, stressed the importance of staying the course toward earning a degree and making regular class attendance a top priority.

Granderson also spoke candidly about issues throughout baseball, including the steroid scandal, the possibility of a new playoff structure and every-day life in the major leagues.

A native of Lynwood, Granderson attended T.F. South High School in Lansing before moving onto UIC.

Following an All-American junior campaign in which he set single-season school records in batting average (.483), hits (100) and runs (78), Granderson was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the third round of the 2002 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. In three seasons at UIC, the fleet-footed Granderson posted a career batting average of .350.

Granderson made his major league debut on Sept. 13, 2004 against the Minnesota Twins.

In 2006 he became the Tigers’ every-day center fielder and helped lead Detroit to the American League pennant and the World Series. The Tigers lost the World Series in five games to the eventual-champion St. Louis Cardinals.

Granderson was traded to the Yankees on Dec. 9, 2009.

In seven seasons, Granderson has posted a career batting average of .268 with 126 home runs, 366 RBIs and 79 stolen bases.

His strongest overall statistical season was 2007 when he hit .302 with 23 homers, 23 triples and 26 stolen bases.

---