Shake’n Out the Pre-Tournament Nerves

Justin Brown, Harbinger

Thursday, May 14, 2015 — Another dominating performance from Illinois Central College Sophomore Alex Shake (6-3) (7IP, 1H, 0R, 7Ks) and a six-run sixth inning was exactly what coach Brett Kelley has been asking for out of his team.

Against one of the better pitchers in the conference, Kelley said the Cougars had little to show for some decent at-bats and hard hit balls. Having only four hits through the first five innings, ICC would bat around in their half of the sixth.

It was a sixth inning that would see multiple RBIs from Washington High School product Casey Danley along with 1 RBI each from Jake Ketchum (Canton HS), Mason McCoy (Washington HS), Jared McCunn (Eureka HS), Andrew Curran (St. Charles, MO) and Alec Skender (Metamora Township HS). Putting the Kelley-led Cougars in front of Parkland 6-0 heading to the seventh inning.

“We (ICC) executed a good bunt and they threw it away allowing a run,” Kelley said. “Once we took the lead, I thought our guys relaxed a little more and that’s when the scoring really started.”

Pitching, Shake, a Canton High School grad, would keep Parkland’s bats silent again in the seventh. “Don’t let up and keep scoring,” Kelley said to his team after the sixth inning. “We needed to shorten the game up and save our arms.”

McCoy would take a walk to get things started in the seventh, followed by a McCunn HBP. Trey Hannam (Annawan-Wethersfield HS) would single, bringing in McCoy. The next batter, Jake Ketchum would lay down a suicide squeeze bunt that allowed McCunn to score.The 8-0 lead would be enough for the Cougars to finish off Parkland under the NJCAA run rule provisions.

Next up, the Cougars (30-18) face off against host team Lincoln Land (38-13). Lincoln Land has won 26 of their last 28 contests, and ICC will send, Williamsfield HS product, Skyler Arnberger (4-0) to the mound.

“He’s pitched very well his last couple times out,” Kelley said. “We hope he continues that.”