Romeoville – Bugle Newspapers

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

On Saturday, the Redwings of Benet Academy and the Hilltoppers of Joliet Catholic Academy, rolled in their East Suburban Catholic Conference twin-bills.

Benet Academy (7-6, 3-1) blasted St. Patrick’s 9-2 and 17-0 in five-innings, to put the Redwings above the .500 mark, for the first time this season. Starting the 2018 campaign at 0-4, Benet head coach Scott Lawler’s Redwings have been flying high as of late. Look for the surging Redwings, to appear in Monday’s Voyager Media Publications Terrific Ten baseball rankings.

Speaking of Monday’s Terrific Ten baseball rankings, with the sweep of the Dons of Notre Dame (4-7. 0-3), the second-ranked Hilltoppers, are one victory away from moving into the Terrific Ten penthouse on Monday. On Sunday afternoon in Chicago Heights, head coach Jared Voss’ Hilltoppers will face the Spartans of Marian Catholic at 1. We will have complete coverage of the Hilltoppers trip to the far south suburbs.

On Saturday, JCA’s Alex Vera (2-1), fired six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts, as JCA (11-3, 4-0) slipped past Notre Dame 2-0. Greg Ziegler struck out three Dons in the seventh to complete the combined three-hit shutout. University of Notre Dame-bound Aidan Tyrell and Ziegler, had four of the five Hilltopper hits, with Ziegler picking up an RBI, for JCA.

Jackson Kaplowitz had two of the three hits for the Dons. Hard-luck Don losing pitcher Nate Moore allowed just two runs and four hits, in his solid five-inning outing.

Jared Cushing’s three-run bomb in the first inning of Game Two, led the Hilltoppers to a 12 -2 romp. Cushing finished with three hits and four RBI. Ziegler continued his great day with a pair of RBIs, while Simon Grashoff led the 18-hit Hilltopper onslaught, with four of his own.

Max Cullen had three ribbies and Tony Fleischauer, chipped in with three hits. RHP Dan Dominguez allowed two runs in his solid four innings to pick up the JCA win on the mound.

Benet and sophomore pitcher Jared Novak, spotted St. Pat’s (10-6, 0-3) an early 2-0 lead after one inning. In the bottom of the second, Tom Snell and leadoffman Dolan Glasgow came up with a little “Two Out Magic” for the Redwings.

Snell’s clutch two-out RBI single brought Benet within 2-1 and one out later Glasgow, hit a 3-2 pitch to left for a two out-two run single, to give the ‘Wings a 3-2 lead they would never relinquish all day.

After shutting down the Shamrocks 1-2-3 in the third inning, Novak turned the game over to the Redwings All-Purpose RHP Tony Adams. Adams (1-0), who has started and relieved his whole career in Lisle, fired four scoreless innings, to pick up the win. Adams allowed two hits and picked up two strikeouts.

Game Two was over just 20 minutes into the game, as the Redwings exploded for eight first-inning runs, for freshman RHP Jack Rodi. Redwing RBIs were picked up by junior Aaron Staehely (2-3, RBI), Andy Prisby ripped a two-run double and Snell singled home a pair of runs.

Snell would go to have a perfect day with two hits and three RBI while senior Collin Berry was 3-for-3 with an RBI. The Redwings’ pounded out 17 hits in the five-inning victory.

Rodi (1-0) would allow two hits in his three scoreless innings of work on the mound, to pick up the win.

(For more Redwing Game Coverage check out Thursday’s Downers Grove Woodridge Lisle Westmont Bugle Newspaper)

NONCONFERENCE

Plainfield East 11 Lockport 9
Trailing 7-1 after four innings the Bengals (15-2) exploded for three runs in the fifth and seven runs in the sixth and went on to defeat the Porters (11-4) at Ed Flink Field. Andy Hoffman continued his torrid hitting for Plainfield East with three more hits. Jake Havis had a pair of hits and two RBI while Sean Blanchard also had three hits for the Bengals.

Oswego East 10 Downers Grove South 4
The West Suburban Gold leading Mustangs (8-4), were hammered by the Southwest Prairie leaders from Oswego East (11-3). Cam Crowley led the Mustangs attack with three hits and Jack Blazevich, drove home two Mustang runs.

Plainfield Central12 Yorkville 1 (Five Innings)

Led by senior third baseman David Ascensio, the Wildcats (10-6) crushed the Foxes (8-6) on Saturday. Ascensio had three hits and drove home four Wildcat runs to make a winner of Anthony Noble (4-1).

Justin Divelbiss, added two hits and an RBI ,while Jack Lindish, had a two-hit day for Central. Dan Guiliano chipped in with a pair of Wildcat ribbies.

Joliet Central 11 Kankakee 1
Jared King, Nick Kasper and Carlos Garcia, combined on a five inning no-no as the Steelmen (8-7) blasted the Kays at Central. Garcia had two hits and an RBI at the plate, while Kolton Stockdell led the Steelmen attack with two hits and two RBI.

Niles West 11 Von Steuben 2
The Wolves (4-4-1) crushed their CPS guests behind a three-hit, four RBI day from Jack Lochner. Sam Butera added three hits and Aidan Blinkal chipped in with a pair of RBI for the Wolves. Kyle Gibson struck out 10 in his solid 4 1/3 innings of work on the mound to pick up the win.

Niles West 7 Deerfield 4

(On Friday) The Wolves (3-4-1, 1-1-1), picked up the Central Suburban Conference win over the Warriors. Sam Butera (2-1),went the distance for the Wolves, firing a five-hitter with 10 strikeouts. Jack Lochner and Kyle Gibson, each had three-hit days. Diego Acosta and Brad Pawlow, each drove home a pair of Wolves’ runs.

Latin 3 Lisle 1
Connor Nigro had the lone Lion RBI in the Lions (8-7) Invitational opener

Lisle 9 Holy Trinity 0
The Lions (9-7) blasted Holy Trinity behind a four-hit shutout from RHP Sam Russo. Damien Guerrero led the Lion attack with two hits and two ribbies. Zach Heidenry, had a hit and an RBI while Emmett Malavia, chipped in with two hits for Lisle.

Stagg 12 Westmont 5
The Sentinels fell again, this time to the Chargers (9-4-1) on Saturday. Matt O’Leary led the Sentinels with two hits and an RBI, while Caden Anderson, had a pair of hits for Westmont.

Lincoln-Way Central 11 Romeoville 1
The Spartans (1-15) fell to the Knights (10-6-1) on Satuday. Joey Selby drove home the lone Spartan RBI while Malachi Riley had the lo ne Spartan hit.

Lake View 8 Maine East 6

The Demons (5-6) slipped below the .500 mark for the season with the nonconference loss in Park Ridge. Patrick Miller drove home a pair of Demon runs.

VOYAGER MEDIA PUBLICATIONS
TERRIFIC TEN

1 JOLIET CATHOLIC       12-3         HILLTOPPERS KING OF THE HILL
2 PLAINFIELD SOUTH    10-2         AT OSWEGO EAST (11-3) MONDAY FOR SPC SUPREMACY
3 PLAINFIELD EAST        15-2         SWEEP MINOOKA; BEAT PORTERS LAST WEEK
4 LOCKPORT                   11-4         SWSC BLUE LEADERS AT LW EAST MONDAY
5 PLAINFIELD NORTH     9-4         SPC PERENNIAL POWERS MINOOKA-TIGERS THIS WEEK
6 MINOOKA                      8-5         SWEPT AWAY BY BENGALS BUT STILL SOLID TEAM
7 PLAINFIELD CENTRAL 10-6         WILDCATS HAVE HUGE GAME AT PLAINFIELD SOUTH TUES
8 DG SOUTH                     8-4         MUSTANGS, SIT ATOP WSC GOLD
9 DG NORTH                     7-7         SWEEP RIVAL RED DEVILS, TROJANS LEAD WSC SILVER!!!
10 BENET ACADEMY      7-6          REDWINGS FLYING HIGH, SWEEP ST PAT’S
ON THE BUBBLE    MAINE SOUTH 9-6 NILES WEST 4-4-1 JOLLIET CENTRAL 8-8 LISLE 9-7

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
Glenbrook North    11-2       3-0
Deerfield                   7-7-1     2-1
Maine West              3-7        1-2
Vernon Hills              7-8-1     1-3
Maine East                5-6        1-3
Highland Park          7-7-1      0-3

CENTRAL SUBURBAN SOUTH
Maine South             9-6        3-0
New Trier                 9-3        3-1
Evanston                  10-5-1    3 -1
Niles West                4-4-1     2-1
Glenbrook South     6-8         2-1
Niles North               1-12       0-5

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
JCA                           12-3       4-0
Marist                      12-4       3-1
Benet                         7-6       3-1
Carmel                       8-3       2-1
Nazareth                  10-4-1   2-1
St. Viator                  10-5      2-2
Marian Catholic        6-8     2-3
St. Patrick                10-6      0-3
MCC                          5-7       0-3
Notre Dame             4-7       0-3

INTERSTATE 8 NORTH
Coal City             13-4      5-1
Lisle                       9-7      3-1
Sandwich              4-8      2-3
Westmont            7-8      1-5
Plano                     3-14    0-7

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE
Oswego East       11-3      6-0
Plainfield South 10-2      5-0
Plainfield East     15-2      5-1
Plainfield North   9-4       4-2
Oswego                 9-4      3-3
Minooka              8-5       3-3
Plainfield Central 10-6    2-3
Joliet West            5-11    1-5
Joliet Central        8-8       0-6
Romeoville           1-15      0-6

SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN BLUE
Lockport              11-4       3-0
Sandburg             11-3       2-0
LW East               14-2        2-1
Bolingbrook         1-8         0-2
Stagg                    9-4-1      0-2-1
H-F                        3-6-1      0-2-1

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Downers Grove South       8-4         4-0
Hinsdale South                   7-5          3-0
Willowbrook                       9-6          3-3
Leyden                                 5-8          3-3
Addison Trail                       6-7         3-4
Morton                                2-9          1-4
Proviso East                        0-5          0-3

WEST SUBURBAN SILVER
Downers Grove North      7-7          6-2
Oak Park                             9-2          5-2
Lyons Township                 8- 3        4-2
York                                     10-4       3-2
Glenbard West                   6-6        3-4
Hinsdale Central                 5-8        1-6
Proviso West                       0-11      0-4

OTHERS
Northridge Prep 8-6 1-3

-Compiled by Drake Skleba

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

In his last start, last Monday, the diminutive lefty with the Giant Arm, fired, six no-hit innings against Joliet West. Plainfield South’s 5-foot-7 lefty, Austin Richardson, combined for a no-hitter, with Griffin Lapp, leading the Cougars to a 2-0 win over the Tigers.
On Monday evening, in a battle for Southwest Prairie Conference supremacy, the Cougars were hosted by the SPC leaders, from Oswego East.
|With first place on the line, and on the road against a powerful Wolves’ team, Richardson (4-0), fired seven more no-hit innings, leading the Cougars to a 4-0 victory. With the win, Plainfield South (11-2, 6-0), moves into the SPC penthouse. They have a half-game lead over Oswego East. The two teams will meet at South, on Wednesday.
“I went out and tried to throw strikes,” Richardson said. “I didn’t have command of my curve ball but all my other pitches were working. My fastball was my best pitch and my defense was outstanding behind me.”
The 2016 IHSBCA/Phil Lawler Summer State Championship Game hero, AJ Mannucci, gave Richardson the only run he would need in the first inning.
With one out, Manucci, singled to left, scoring Cougar junior catcher Justin McGuigan, who had walked. When the Oswego East left fielder booted the ball, Cougar second baseman Connor Blake ( 3-for-4, 2B) streaked home for a 2-0 Cougar lead.
Richardson continued to mow the Wolves down. After three innings, Richardson had more hit batsman than he would allow hits in the game. In the second and third innings he would plunk two Wolves’ hitters.
In the fourth inning, the Cougar defense turned a crisp 6-4-3 double-play, Lapp to Blake to Cougar first baseman Cody Phillips, to close out the fourth.
In the top of the fifth, Blake scored from second on a throw to first base off a ground ball off the bat of Mannucci. 3-0 Cougars.
In the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings, Richardson proceeded to strike out six consecutive Wolves’ hitters. Richardson would finish with nine punch-outs and walk just one batter.
“Austin has been outstanding for us all season,” McGuigan said. “He was in complete control of all his pitches and led us to a huge victory and into first place.”
In the seventh, Blake doubled and would score his third run of the game for a 4-0 lead, heading into the bottom of the seventh.
Ground ball to Lapp – fires to Phillips. One out.
Fly ball to center. Mannucci is there – two outs.
Ground ball to Blake – tosses to Phillip and Richardson has done it.
He has just thrown a no-hitter, leading his Cougars to a 4-0 victory and into sole possession of first place, in the Southwest Prairie Conference.
“This was a great team win,” Mannucci said. “Austin was outstanding and we played great defense behind him. We are playing so well right now and it feels great to be in first place”
“Ever since I started coaching the No. 21 jersey was important to me,” Painfield South head coach Phil Bodine said. “The greatest baseball player I ever saw, wore No. 21 for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The late, great Roberto Clemente.
“I gave the No. 21 jersey this year to Austin. I saw something extra special in him and he certainly hasn’t given me any reason, to question my decision to give him the great No. 21. He was outstanding tonight but he has had, better command of his pitches, this season. He was effectively wild tonight which helped him.”
“We have to make the routine play and score a few runs per game to be effective,” Bodine added. “Our starting pitchers have been outstanding and we have stolen more bases than we had all of last season.”

SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN BLUE
Lincoln-Way East 2 Lockport 1
The Porters (11-5, 3-1) lost a heartbreaker, in walk-off fashion to the Griffins (15-2, 3-1) in Frankfort on Monday. CJ Weins, was the hard-luck loser on the mound for Lockport. Bryan Fox led the Porter attack with two singles and he drove in the lone Porter run.

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE
Plainfield East 7 Oswego 1
The Bengals (16-2, 6-1) moved into a tie with Oswego East (11-4, 6-1) in the SPC with the win. Ryan Louck (4-1) fired a four-hitter at the Panthers (10-5, 3-4). Sean Hebreard led the
Bengal attack with two hits and three RBI, while Jake Havis, chipped in with two hits. Nick Baldassano, drove home a Bengal run.

Plainfield North 2 Minooka 1
The Tigers (10-4, 5-2) slipped past the defending SPC champion Indians, behind a five-hit masterpiece from Brady Miller (5-1). Miller struck out eight Indian batters.
Minooka (8-6, 3-4) was led by Cherokee Lebeau, who had two hits, while Luke Faifer drove home the lone Indian run. Simon Herold (2-3) went the distance, allowing just two hits for Minooka.

Plainfield Central 4 Joliet Central 3
The Wildcats (10-6, 3-3) held off the Steelmen on Monday. Wildcat junior Chris Conrad drove home a pair of Plainfield Central runs, while Charlie Bischoff picked up the win with a solid six inning performance on the mound. Wildcat closer Trevor “Swamps” Hicks nailed down his third save of the season.

Joliet Central (8-9, 0-7) was led by Ethan Darley, who had two hits and drove home two Steelmen runs. Nick Gutierrez and Greg Honiotes, each had hits for the Steelmen.

Romeoville 3 Joliet West 2
Scoring two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, erasing a 2-1 Joliet West lead, the Spartans (2-15, 1-6), picked up their first SPC victory on Monday. Malachi Riley, drove home a big Spartan run, while Jeremy Kingsley and Zach Swearingen, held off the Tigers on the mound.
Kingsley fired 6 1/3 solid innings to pick up the win, while Swearingen retired the final two Tiger batters, to nail down the save
Joliet West (5-12, 1-6) was led Brett Johnson, who had two hits and Joe Keigher, who had a hit and an RBI for the Tigers.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Joliet Catholic 9 St. Viator 4
The defending ESCC champion Hilltoppers (13-3, 5-0), jumped out to a 6-0 lead after three innings and coasted at Gillespie Field on Monday. Zak Gould fired four scoreless innings, with five strikeouts, to pick up the win on the mound. Simon Grashoff and Matt Bebar continued their hot hitting, with a pair of RBIs for each. Justin Conant chipped in with two RBI and Jared Cushing had two more hits. St. Viator falls to 10-6 overall and 2-3 in the ESCC

Benet 13 Marist 0 (Five Innings)
Picking up right where they left off against St.Patrick, the Redwings (8-5, 4-1) crushed the Redhawks in Mount Greenwood on Monday. Senior catcher Brandon Gorz, led the Redwing onslaught with five ribbies while Quinn Moriarty, was brilliant once again on the mound, firing a four-hit shutout at Marist (12-5, 3-2)
Redwing right fielder Aaron Staehely, chipped in with a pair of hits and two RBI.

Notre Dame 6 MCC 3
The Dons (5-7, 1-3) picked up their first ESCC victory behind two RBIs from Kyle Schuster and three hits from Nick Moore. Nick McManamon chipped in with two hits and Joe Buiekma, had a solid six inning performance on the mound to pick up the Don win.
MCC falls to 5-8 overall and 0-4 in the ESCC.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Leyden 4, Downers Grove South 3
The West Suburban Gold leading Mustangs (8-5, 4-1), fell at home to the Eagles (6-8-1, 4-3)

WEST SUBURBAN SILVER

York 11 Downers Grove North 1
The Trojans (7-8, 6-3) were knocked out of first place in the WSC-Silver by the Dukes (11-4, 4-2). Jack Carr had a perfect 2-for-2 day at the plate for DGN and Parker Webber, singled home the lone Trojan run

INTERSTATE 8 NORTH

Lisle 5 Sandwich 2
The Lions (10-7, 4-1) kept pace with Coal City with the win over the Indians on Monday. The Lions exploded for four runs in the bottom of the fifth at Field No. 7 in Lisle. AJ Casmer picked up the win on the mound, allowing a run in his solid five-inning performance.
Aaron Cail picked up a Lion RBI while Zach Heidenry, picked up another hit.

Westmont 6 Plano 3
The Sentinels (8-8, 2-5) ended their five-game losing streak, with the win over the Reapers (3-15,0-8). Mike Kokoszka and Matt O’Leary, each had two hits and drove home a pair to lead the Sentinels to victory.

Note to readers: Information in Police Blotter is obtained from the Romeoville Police Department and the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals listed in Police Blotter charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

MARCH 8

Marissa Trotsky, 20, of Romeoville, was arrested at 2:03 p.m. in the area of Romeo Road and Route 53 for no valid driver’s license, no insurance, expired registration and suspended registration.

Rafael Torres, 20, of Romeoville, was arrested at 5:26 p.m. in the area of Fairfax and Macon for driving with a suspended license and obstructing identification.

MARCH 10

A theft under $500 was reported at 3:51 p.m. in the 700 block of Murphy Drive. Unknown person(s) took an unattended bag containing a Chromebook, Kindle and cell phone from the park pavilion.

MARCH 14

Luis Garcia, 45, of Hammond, Ind., was arrested at 7:30 p.m. in the area of Weber and Airport roads for driving with a revoked license, disobeying traffic signal and no insurance.

MARCH 16

Diana Humann, 56, of Romeoville, was arrested at 12:10 a.m. in the area of Hudson and Veterans Parkway for DUI, improper lane usage and no signal when required.

Patricia Aldridge, 55, of Lemont, was arrested at 12:10 a.m. in the area of Hudson and Veterans Parkway for an in-state warrant.

Dawn Hainsworth, 56, of Deerfield, was arrested at 6:23 p.m. in the area of Weber and Lakewood Falls for no valid driver’s license and improper use of a cell phone.

MARCH 17

Miguel Flores-Hernandez, 35, of Romeoville, was arrested at 12:51 p.m. in the area of Dalhart and Corona for no valid driver’s license and speeding.

MARCH 18

Scott Mikula, 48, of Lockport, was arrested at 11:16 p.m. in the area of Route 53 and Romeo Road for no valid driver’s license and expired registration.

MARCH 19

A criminal damage to property was reported at 4:05 p.m. in the 800 block of West Taylor Road. Unknown person(s) punctured a quarter panel of a parked vehicle.

MARCH 21

Darlene Collins, 18, of Oak Lawn, was arrested at 4:44 p.m. in the area of Romeo Road and Heritage Parkway for no valid driver’s license and improper display of registration.

MARCH 22

A retail theft was reported at 2:20 a.m. in the 400 block of North Independence. An unknown person total a bottle of liquor valued at $9.99 from the business.

Javier Sanchez, 34, of Joliet, was arrested at 12:54 p.m. in the area of Normantown and Weber roads for driving with a suspended license and disobeying a traffic sign.

Claudio Gutierrez-Montenegro, 23, of Cicero, was arrested at 1:23 p.m. in the area of Crossroads and Theodore for driving with a suspended license, speeding, no insurance and an in-state warrant.

Paris Despenza, 23, of Joliet, was arrested at 5:12 p.m. in the area of Weber and Normantown roads for driving with a suspended license, no insurance and illegal use of cell phone.

MARCH 23

A burglary was reported at 6:06 a.m. in the 1000 block of Bluff Road. Unknown person(s) took a drill set valued at $300 from the job site.

MARCH 28

Ricardo Guerrero, 26, of Romeoville, was arrested at 9:56 a.m. in the 400 block of Tallman of an in-state warrant.

Board of Health encouraging other Will County municipalities to follow suit

By Laura Katauskas | Staff Reporter

Following Bolingbrook’s lead, the Will County Board of Health is calling for more municipalities to pass a Tobacco 21 ordinance.

In what is becoming a nationwide movement, Bolingbrook took steps to raise the age from 18 to 21 to buy smoking materials, effective April 1.

Tobacco 21 calls for regulations banning the purchase of cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, or vaping devices by anyone under 21.

Evidence indicates that the move will make a significant impact in lowering the number of people who go on to become lifelong smokers.

Bolingbrook joins the likes of Chicago and Naperville who have passed similar resolutions as well as nearly 300 municipalities and a total of five states, (California, New Jersey, Oregon, Hawaii and Maine), who have raised the minimum sale age for tobacco products to 21.

Since Bolingbrook’s action, Gurnee and Aurora support the ordinance. However, Bolingbrook is the only Will County community to have passed it and the Will County board is working to change that.

When passing the ordinance, Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar had pointed to several pieces of evidence indicating the benefits of the move; cutting teen smoking in half, reducing health care costs that are now at $5.5 billion nationwide, putting a tax burden of $922 per household.

According to the national campaign for tobacco-free kids, “national data show that about 95 percent of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21, and a substantial number of smokers start even younger.”

The Board of Health is hoping their resolution will spur other home rule communities within the county to consider this action. Home rule communities are those that either have 25-thousand residents, or have passed a “home rule referendum,” thereby giving city legislators more power to create their own laws.
“I am very thankful for our Board’s support on this initiative,” said Will County Health Department Executive Director Sue Olenek. “This is a very positive step in the right director for our youth.”
Will County’s Community Health Educators want it known that the Health Department’s “Tobacco Control and Prevention Program” is available to offer technical assistance to municipalities. “We have tool kits with resources, sample ordinances, infographics, and other valuable information to assist Will County communities,” the Health Department’s Cindy Jackson stated. “Ninety percent of smokers start before age 21. The more we change the age of tobacco purchasing to 21, the less youth will start to smoke.”
Municipalities desiring assistance from the Will County Health Department Tobacco Control and Prevention Program can call 815-727-8769. More information on Will County Health Department programs is available at willcountyhealth.org.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

Pitching.
Now in the their ninth year, under the tutelage of Plainfield South head coach Phil Bodine, the Cougars have always been recognized, throughout the state, for their quality pitching. Even the two sub.500 Cougar teams, under Bodine, still had quality pitching.

Looking back, Bodine’s three York Duke teams, which won 58 games in three years; the Dukes had quality pitching. Before that, Bodine’s 15 Mendota Trojan clubs, that won 332 games, finished second in Class A in the old two-class system in 1996, made the Elite 8 in 2000 and finished third, in 2003, the Trojans had quality pitching.

After losing to graduation pitchers Austin Marozas (Kentucky), Konnor Ash (Missouri) and Jordan Mikel (WIU), the big question was; could Bodine do it again?

On Monday, junior lefty Austin Richardson (4-1), fired a no-hitter at Oswego East,with nine strikeouts. Richardson extended his no-hit innings to 13, having thrown six no-hit innings in his previous start, against Joliet West, on April 16. It was the fourth no-hitter for Bodine’s pitching staff and the sixth shutout of 2018.

On Tuesday, senior Trey Ricko (4-0) fired a two-hit shutout at Plainfield Central (11-7, 3-4) striking out 12 and walking one. AJ Mannucci, for the second consecutive game, provided the game-wining run, for Cougar pitchers, scoring on a wild pitch, in the second inning, to lead the Cougars, to a 1-0 Southwest Prairie Conference victory. Shutout No. 7.

With the win, Plainfield South (12-2, 7-0) now has a one game SPC lead over Oswego East (11-4, 6-1) and Plainfield East (16-2, 6-1). Oswego East, visits South on Wednesday at 4:30.

In the Cougar second, Mannucci (2-for-3, R), beat out an infield single, on a controversial call at first base. With Cougar shortstop Griffin Lapp attempting to sacrifice, it appeared to everyone, except the men in blue, that Lapp was hit by a batted ball in fair territory. One out? After an emotional discussion between the home plate umpire and Plainfield Central head coach John Rosner, the home plate umpire claimed it was just a foul ball.

Plainfield Central (11-7, 3-4) hard-luck starting and losing pitcher, Justin Divelbiss (2-4) plunked Lapp. Zach Pawlak reached on a Wildcat miscue to load the bases. With Matt Snyder at the plate, Divelbiss unleashed a wild pitch and Mannucci dashed across the plate with the only run of the ball game.

“Coming in today’s game we knew we were facing a quality pitcher,” Mannucci said. “Matt Snyder had a quality at bat. He made Divelbiss throw a lot of pitches and eventually he threw a wild one. I got a good jump off third and was able to score the big run for us.”

Plainfield Central, shortstop Charlie Bischoff singled and third baseman David Ascensio walked, to leadoff the fourth. Both moved up to second and third on a sac-bunt by Cal Lindish. Ricko struck out the next Wildcat hitter, for the second out. Wildcat DH Brendan Dorsey hit a shot to right. Getting A tremendous jump on Dorsey’s smash, Cougar right fielder Tony Mosher, raced over and made the catch to end the inning.

“Our pitching and defense won today’s game,” Mosher said. “ In the fourth inning, Dorsey hit one in the gap. I got a good jump on it and made the catch. Man, if I didn’t, that really would have been bad for me.”

After the lone Wildcat threat was thwarted, Ricko went on cruise control, retiring the last nine Wildcat hitters he faced, six via strikeouts.

“I was able to really pound the strike zone. I painted the corners today,” Ricko said. “I kept the ball low and didn’t throw a lot of pitches. My defense was outstanding today. Tony made a great catch to help me in the fourth. I was able to build off that and pitch to the best of my ability.”

For the snake-bitten, young Wildcats, they suffered another one-run loss, to their rivals from South. Last Thursday the Cougars outslugged the Wildcats 9-8, at Central.

Thus far Bodine has done the job again. Ricko’s gem, was the seventh shutout of the season for the Cougars. They have allowed just 23 runs in their 14 games this season. Eight of those, were scored by the Wildcats last week.

“I knew Trey was going to pitch well today,” Bodine said. “He came in relief against Central last week and gave up four runs. He was outstanding tonight. He pounded the strike zone. We did just enough to win another game. I told the kids, just keep doing what we are doing. I love coaching these kids. We are having a lot of fun.”

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
Highland Park 12, Maine East 2 (Five innings)
The Demons (5-9, 1-4) could only muster three hits and fell to Highland Park (8-7-1, 2-3)

CENTRAL SUBURBAN SOUTH

Niles North 8 Maine South 2
Niles North (2-13, 1-4) blasted the Hawks (9-9, 3-3) on Tuesday. The Hawks had just five hits. Torre Cecala, picked up an RBI for the Hawks

Evanston 3 Niles West 2
The Wolves (5-5-1, 3-2) could only muster two hits on Tuesday at Jim Phipps Field. Myles Derbigny drove home a Wolves’ run while Kyle Robertson, was the hard-luck Wolves’ loser on the mound.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
Joliet Catholic 15 St. Viator 11
The Hilltoppers (14-3, 6-0) rallied from a 10-4 deficit and swept away the Lions in a slugfest in Arlington Heights on Tuesday, behind Jared Cushing. Cushing led the 15-hit Hilltopper attack with four hits and four RBI. Tony Fleischauer, also drove home four Hilltopper runs, while Aidan Tyrell, chipped in with three hits and three RBI.
St. Viator (10-7, 2-4) scored 10 runs in the second inning and led 10-9 as the game entered the top of the seventh, when the Hilltoppers exploded for six runs, to make sure they had a very enjoyable 50-mile bus ride, back to Joliet.

Marist 9 Benet 7
The Redwings (9-7, 4-2) were outslugged by the Redhawks (13-5, 4-2) in Lisle on Tuesday. Redwing catcher Brandon Gorz, drove home a pair of Redwing runs, while Mike Wymer chipped in with three hits.

Notre Dame 7 MCC 3
The Dons (6-7, 2-3) swept away the Hurricanes behind Jackson Kaplowitz who had three hits. Tim Kelly and Kevin Pritt, both picked up a pair of ribbies for the Dons, while Kyle Schuster continued his hot-hitting, with two more hits and an RBI.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Downers Grove South 14 Leyden 3
The WSC Gold leading Mustangs (9-5, 5-1) hammered the Eagles, behind Nick Stacey. Stacey had three hits and drove home five big Mustang runs. Brett Riegler, drove home a pair of Mustang runs while Cam Crowley chipped in with one RBI.

WEST SUBURBAN SILVER
York 14 Downers Grove North 3
The Trojans (7-9, 6-4) were hammered again by the Dukes (12-4, 5-2) on Tuesday. Ian Cook singled, doubled a nd drove in two runs to lead the Trojan attack.

INTERSTATE 8 NORTH
Sandwich 6, Lisle 5
The Indians scored five runs in the second inning to hand the Lions (10-8, 4-2) a damaging I-8 North loss on Tuesday. Damien Guerrero continued his torrid hitting with three more hits. Cal Payne and Jay McGrath each drove home a pair of Lion runs while AJ Casmer, chipped in with two hits and an RBI.

Westmont 11 Plano 1
The Sentinels (9-8, 3-5) romped past Plano (3-17, 0-9), behind a five RBI day from Christian Alexander. Alex Marotta picked up three Sentinel ribbies while Mike Kokoszka, had a three-hit game and fired a one-hitter with seven strikeouts at the Reapers.

NONCONFERENCE
Providence 14 Romeoville 4
The Spartans (2-16) fell to Providence (10-7) at home on Tuesday

By Laura Katauskas| Staff Reporter

The village of Romeoville passed a balanced budget for its fiscal year beginning May 1, reflecting a slight decrease from last year.

With less grant-funded large projects such as the Metra station and construction of Discovery Park, the budget, just under $103 million; approximately $6.8 million down from last year.

The village will dedicated $12.2 million in capital projects; the largest being street resurfacing and water and sewer projects. Other highlights include the continuation of decorating street lighting in Hampton Park; renovation of Budler Park and a possible TIF land purchase.

Salaries and benefits take up the lion share of the budget at percent, also affording this year the addition of one new police officer. However, salaries were only increased by 1 percent.

Though the village portion of a homeowners tax bill is only 13 percent, the village’s amount in property taxes will decrease by 1 percent.

“The cost to homeowners is very stable,” said Kirk Openchowski, finance director. “There has been minimal change since 2008 in a typical tax bill.”

“If we kept in pace with inflation, bills would be $100 more,” said Noak. “ At the end of day the total amount being spent is going down and the way we have controlled our levey amount means that in terms of the amount per home over a ten year period we have kept that stable..and that is because of what are staff are able to do with the budget and am very proud of staff for making that happen.”

Trustee Dave Richards agreed.”We’ve experienced tough economic times and have been able to come through and that is because of the hard work of the entire staff and how they do business and complete projects for the good of the residents,” said Richards.

Village wide revenues remain the same despite the economic downturn in retail, notably the $1 million lost in sales revenue. Noak said the village’s diverse portfolio allows the village to remain strong.

According to the village, its healthy fund balance has contributed to the village’s strong bond rating. The general fund, for the current fiscal year ending April 30th, is estimated to produce more than $1 million in surplus. The general fund is estimated to have a year end fund balance of $25.3 million, which is a 130 percent increase from 2008.

“Our department managers have put together another solid budget that keeps Romeoville moving ahead while being fiscally responsible,” said Noak.

Romeoville operates on a May 1- April 30 budget year. The new budget will be effective May 1, 2018.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

In another showdown SPC battle, between second-place Oswego East (11-5, 6-2) and the hosts from Plainfield South (13-2, 8-0, ) on Wednesday, the guests from Oswego had pulled within 4-3. Two outs. The tying run at first. In the top of the seventh.

On the mound for South, was the Cougar closer, Griffin Lapp. In the batter’s box for the Wolves, was the dangerous Jalen Avery.

Picking up his fifth save of the season, Lapp, blew a fastball by Avery for strike three and the ninth consecutive Cougar win, was in the books.

“It felt great to fire my fastball by Avery, for the final out of the game,” Lapp said. “I had no command of my pitches and felt fortunate to nail down the save, for Ryan (Harty).

The senior lefty Harty, improved to 5-0 on the season, as Plainfield South, stayed undefeated against Illinois opponents in 2018. The Cougars lost to Hueytown (Ala) and Gibson County (Tn), in their Spring Trip last month, in beautiful Union City, Tennessee.

Harty, allowed one earned run and six hits, in his solid 5 2/3 innings of work on the mound. Harty struck out six and walked three.

“We are all fortunate to have a closer like Griffin (Lapp),” Harty said. “I was having a real hard time locating my fastball, late in the game. It was the reason I had to get relief from Griffin. It feels great to be 5-0 on the mound and 13-2 and in first place in the SPC. We just want to keep it rolling.”

Trailing 1-0, as the game headed to the Cougar half of the fourth, with a little help from the Wolves, the Cougars would take the lead.

Cougar junior catcher Justin McGuigan, would reach on the first of three Wolves’ miscues.

Connor Blake would rip an RBI single to right, scoring McGuigan, with the tying run. Blake would go to second, on an errant throw.

Lapp laid down a perfect bunt and when Oswego East starting and losing pitcher Shane Schatz (4-2), fired the ball over his first baseman’s head, Blake would score the lead run.

The play of the game was next.

With two strikes, Cougar sophomore third baseman, Zach Pawlak, ripped a clutch, two-run single, increasing the Cougar lead to 4-1.

“I went to the plate just trying to get a fly ball, to get one run in,” Pawlak said. “I got a pitch up and ripped it into right center.”

Lapp replaced Harty, with two out in the sixth and the Wolves picked up another unearned run to pull within 4-2.

The third Cougar error of the game, in the seventh, allowed Oswego East, to pull within 4-3, before the Cougar fireman, Lapp, put the fire out.

“We have such great chemistry on this team,” Lapp added. “We want to come out here tomorrow and Monday and take care of business against Joliet Central.”

“It wasn’t pretty. But it’s a win. And we will take it,” Plainfield South head coach Phil Bodine said. “We beat a real good pitcher and that’s a real good team over there. Under normal circumstances, Ryan’s (Harty) performance, would have been considered very good. But after Austin’s (Richardson) no-hitter and Trey (Ricko’s) two-hit shutout, it doesn’t look as good as it was. Zach (Pawlak) came up with the hit of the game for us.”

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE REPORT

Plainfield East 13 Oswego 2 (Five innings)
The Bengals (17-2, 7-1) won their seventh consecutive game, behind the red-hot hitting and pitching from Andy Hoffman. Hoffman led the 11-hit East attack with two hits and two RBI. Frank Bryan and Chris Marchione, each had a pair of Bengal ribbies. Dylan Crowder and Nick Baldassano, each chipped in with two hits.
Hoffman improved to 5-0 on the mound with a four hitter, with eight strikeouts. With the win, the Bengals stay within one game of SPC leader Plainfield South (13-2, 8-0, in the SPC

Plainfield North 18 Minooka 2
The red-hot Tigers (11-4, 6-2) scored 10 times in the fourth inning and went on to crush the host Indians on Wednesday. Shortstop Gavin Doyle, led the 16-hit Tiger attack with three hits and three RBI. Sean Tilmon, also had three hits and three ribbies. Garret Cook drove home three RBI as well. Catcher Greg Budig chipped in with a three-hit day.
Minooka falls to 8-7 overall and 3-5 in the SPC

Plainfield Central 6 Joliet Central 2
Trailing 2-0, as Wednesday’s SPC battle in Joliet , went to the top of the sixth inning, the Wildcat (12-7, 4-4), offense exploded. for three runs in the sixth and three more runs in the seventh and went on to the SPC victory.
Wildcat DH Brendan Dorsey’s, clutch, two-out, two run single, highlighted the Wildcat three-run sixth and gave the ‘Cats a lead they would not relinquish.
Jake Donahue’s two-run single, highlighted the three-run Wildcat seventh. Trevor “Swamps” Hicks (1-0), picked up the win in relief. “Swamps” slammed the door on the Steelmen, with 2 2/3 hitless innings of relief with three punch-outs.

Joliet West 7 Romeoville 0
The Tigers (6-12, 2-6), blanked the Spartans behind a four-hit, nine strikeout shutout, by Dylan Suca on Wednesday. Mark Garcia had two hits and drove three big Tiger runs while Tiger catcher Ben Rogina, picked up a pair of RBI. Brett Johnson chipped in with three hits.
Romeoville (2-18,1-7) was led by Zach Swearingin, who picked up a pair of hits for the Spartans.

INTERSTATE 8 CROSSOVERS
Lisle 7 Peotone 6
Emmett Malavia, stepped into the batters box. Peotone 6 Lisle 4. Bottom of the seventh of the Lions (11-8, 5-2) I-8 crossover game at Field No.7 in Lisle on Wednesday. Two Lions on base.
Malavia, launches a drive that soars over the Field No. 7 outfield fence, giving the Lions a
dramatic come-from behind victory. Malavia is mobbed by his teammates at home plate. Some frenzied Lion parents, were reported to have jumped into the cold waters of the nearby DuPage River, with joy.
For Malavia, it was Emmett’s fourth hit of the game, making a winner of Lion relief pitcher, Damien Guerrero. Sam Russo had a big day for the Lions with two hits and three ribbies.

INTERSTATE 8 NORTH
Sandwich 5 Westmont 3
The Sentinels (9-9, 3-6) fell to the Indians on Wednesday in Sandwich. Mike Kososzka and Riley Basit led the Sentinels with two hits and an RBI each. Caden Anderson chipped in with two hits for the Sentinels.

According to a police report made public on Monday, John Noak, mayor of Romeoville, told Police Chief Mark Turvey, “I’m coming for you,” and told two other officers, “You’re done,” while being booked on suspicion of driving under the influence on April 12.
The police report was made public under the Freedom of Information Act and first reported by the Chicago Tribune.

Mayor John Noak, who was cited for alleged DUI hours after delivering his State of the Village speech on April 12, made the statements after asking whether the area of the police station he was standing in was being recorded, the report states.

Noak, 44, who issued a statement April 19 apologizing for “the incident that occurred on April 12,” was pulled over after another driver called 911 to report a motorist driving recklessly and possibly intoxicated driver driving west on Belmont Avenue. A short time after the call, police observed the vehicle driving west on Romeo Road just west of Belmont, according to the police report.

The officer stopped the vehicle, driven by Noak, 46, and determined through a field sobriety test that he was driving under the influence, police said. He was issued traffic tickets for driving under the influence, improper lane usage and driving without proper proof of insurance.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE REPORT

595 FOR PLAINFIELD SOUTH’S BODINE
Plainfield South 18, Joliet Central 8

The SPC leaders from South (14-2, 9-0) brought out the heavy lumber in Joliet,on Thursday. Cougar junior catcher Justin McGuigan and senior first baseman, Cody Phillips, each had three hits and drove home four big Cougar runs. Cougar leadoffman Tony Mosher, had three more hits and AJ Mannucci, continued to drive home Cougar runs, with three more on Thursday. With the win, legendary Plainfield South coach Phil Bodine picked up win No. 595 in his illustrious coaching career.

Joliet Central falls to 8-11 and 0-9 in the SPC.

Plainfield East 12 Joliet West 2

The Bengals (18-2, 8-1),stayed within a game of SPC leader Plainfield South, with the win on Thursday. Sean Blanchard led the 16-hit Bengal attack, with three hits and five RBI. Drew Raspolich, added a pair of hits and two RBI, while Chris Marchione chipped in with two hits.

Luke Lamm (5-1), fired four solid inning s on the mound, to pick up the win. Joliet West (6-13, 2-7) was led by Manny Roman, who drove home the two Tiger runs.

298 FOR NORTH’S DARLINGTON

Plainfield North 18 Oswego East 9

The red-hot Tigers (12-4,7-2) romped past the Wolves (11-6, 6-3) behind Brady Miller, who had three hits and drove home a half dozen Tiger runs. Gavin Doyle made it nine RBIs against Oswego East with four more on Thursday. Cam Kissel added three hits and two RBI while Garret Cook chipped in with a pair of hits.

Plainfield North’s great head coach, John Darlington picked up career win No. 298 on Thursday.

Minooka 7 Plainfield Central 5
The Indians (9-7, 4-5) rallied for three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to pick up the much-needed SPC win on Thursday. Junior Zach Stoner and senior Cherokee Lebeau, each drove home a pair of Indian runs. Junior Noah Sustaita (1-1), slammed the door on the Wildcats (12-8, 4-5), with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief to get the win.

Jack Lindish, led the Wildcat attack with three hits and two RBI, while Jake Donahue and Charlie Bischoff, each had a pair of hits for Central.

Oswego 3 Romeoville 2

The Spartans (2-19. 1-8), let a 2-1 lead get away in the bottom of the seventh, at Oswego’s (10-6, 4-5) Jackie’s Field of Dreams Stadium, under the lights.

NONCONFERENCE
499 FOR JCA’S VOSS
Joliet Catholic 8 Lincoln-Way Central 5

The Hilltoppers (15-3) fell behind 4-1 in their nonconference battle at the Southwest Suburban Conference Red Division leading Knights (12-8), in New Lenox on Thursday. As they have all season, the never-say-die Hilltoppers, rallied with two runs in the sixth to close to 5-4 and four big runs in the seventh, to pick up career win No. 499, for their legendary head coach Jared Voss.

Senior Justin Conant led the 13-hit Hilltopper attack with three hits and drove home two Hilltopper runs. White-hot, more than red-hot Tony Fleischauer, had three more hits. Jared Cushing continued his torrid hitting with two more hits.

On Friday, at Gillespie Field, at 4:30, the Hilltoppers will try to get win No. 500 for their Voss against Plainfield North (12-4) and their great head coach, John Darlington. Darlington will look for career win 299 at Voss’s expense.

The Daily Roundup will be in Joliet for this historic match-up between two of the best high school baseball head coaches, in Illinois. Be there!

INTERSTATE 8 CROSSOVER

LISLE 9 MANTENO 6
After Emmett Malavia’s walk-off SINGLE, (incorrectly reported as a 3-run homer), sent happy Lion parents, into the DuPage River on Wednesday, the Lions, visited Manteno(14-4, 6-3 South) and surprised the Panthers on Thursday.

With the victory the Lions (12-8, 6-2 North) kept pace with Coal City (17-4, 8-1) in the I-8 North. Connor Nigro singled, tripled and drove home two runs, to lead the Lion attack. Aaron Cail, singled, doubled and picked up an RBI. Dylan Laue singled and drove home two Lion runs, while Zach Heidenry, scattered 13 hits but went the distance on the mound to pick up the win. Heidenry can hit; helping himself with a single and two-RBI.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Benet Academy 9 St. Viator 7
The Redwings (9-7, 5-2) opened up a 7-0 lead with a huge six-run second inning and held off the Lions (10-9, 2-6) in Lisle. One of the best left fielders in the state defensively, Mike Warner, led the Redwing attack with three hits and three RBI. Defensive standout, right fielder Aaron Staehely, chipped in with a pair of RBI for the Redwings.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Downers Grove South 14 Leyden 0
The WSC-leading Mustangs(10-6, 6-1) crushed the Eagles in on the South Side of Downers Grove on Thursday. Nick Stacey struck out seven in his four scoreless innings of work to get the win on the mound. Stacey added a pair of hits and drove in two Mustang runs.

Jake Pileggi drove home three runs while Brett Riegler plated a pair.

WEST SUBURBAN SILVER
York 8 Downers Grove North 4
The Trojans (7-9, 6-5) were swept by the Dukes (13-4, 6-3) on Thursday, Jack Carr singled, doubled and drove home three Trojan runs while TJ Droan had a pair of singles for DGN.

SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN BLUE
Stagg 8 Bolingbrook 3

The Raiders (1-11, 0-5) fell to Stagg, in Palos Heights on Thursday. The Raiders were led by Sebastian Trevino-Ramirez and Matt Dinkle, each of whom had three hits.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN SOUTH

Maine South 10 Niles North 0
The Hawks (10-9, 4-2) won in five innings behind a one-hitter from Evan Friedman. Spyros Vaselopulos had three hits and an RBI to lead the Hawk attack. Declan Griffin added a pair of hits and RBI while Torre Cecala drove home a pair of Hawk runs.

Evanston 4 Niles West 3
The Wolves lost a second consecutive one-run game to Evanston (13-6-1, 5-2) on Thursday. Brad Pawlow led the Wolves attack with three hits and an RBI. Brandon Kaihara and Diego Acosta drove home the other Wolves’ runs.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
Highland Park 4 Maine East 3

The Demons (5-8, 1-5) lost in five innings to the Giants (9-7-1, 2-3) on Thursday

NONCONFERENCE

Neuqua Valley 8 Lockport 5

The Porters (11-8) fell for the sixth time in seven games, this time to the undefeated Wildcats (15-0) at Ed Flink Field. Porter freshman Ryan Moerman had two singles, a double and an RBI to lead the Porters. Brendan O’Connor singled and hit a ball that left historic Flink Field.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

One thing one must say about Joliet Catholic Academy’s legendary, varsity baseball head coach, Jared Voss, is he has his priorities in the correct place.
On the brink of his 500^th win of his legendary coaching career at JCA, on Friday, Voss reported to Gillespie Field. His Hilltoppers were to host the Tigers of Plainfield North in a 4 pm, make-up game, from the originally scheduled game, that was frozen out last month.
Having circled April 27 on the Voss Family calendar, as Father\Daugter Dance Night with his daughter, Lyla,
Voss was present for the Hilltoppers pregame, turned in the starting lineup, which officially, made him head coach of the game and then left for the dance, as originally planned. The game was supposed to be rescheduled for next Friday, May 4. A scheduling snafu caused the problem for Coach Voss.
Meanwhile at Gillespie Field, Voss’s Hilltoppers (16-3), trailed 1-0 as the game entered the bottom of the fifth. For the third consecutive game, the Hilltoppers rallied to victory. This time by a 3-1 score.
With one out, No. 9 hitter third baseman, Christian Knapczyk drew a huge base on balls. On a hit and run, Hilltopper leadoff man Aidan Tyrell (2-for-3) ripped a booming RBI double to left, scoring Knapczyk with the tying run.
“I was up In the count 1-0. I hit a fastball up and away and got a barrel on it,” Tyrell said.
Matt Bebar, followed with a single and senior Simon Grashoff, crushed a ball to center, for a sacrifice fly, that plated Tyrell,with the eventual game-winning run.
“Coach Voss is a great guy and a great coach,”Grashoff said. “He is always picking us up when we are down. I love hitting in clutch situations. I really hit the ball hard and drove home a big run for us. 11 in a row for us is amazing. We are very confident and are having a lot of fun. I am so happy we were able to bring home win No. 500 for Coach Voss.”
Meanwhile, on the mound starting and winning pitcher Alex Vera (3-0) was dealing. After giving up an unearned run in the first inning, Vera allowed just three hits and struck out eight in his game-winning performance.
In the Tiger sixth, the play of the game was next, in the top of the sixth.
With Cal Cangillia, on third and one out, Tiger third baseman Sean Tillmon laid down a suicide squeeze bunt back to Vera, on the mound. Vera flipped a strike to catcher Tony Fleischauer, who put the tag on the befuddled Cangillia.
“We work on that play in practice,” Tyrell added. “PFP – Perfect Fielding Position. Alex and Tony worked the play to perfection.”
“My curveball was my best pitch tonight,” Vera said. “I was bale to get the majority of my swing-and-miss strikeouts with it. A great win for us and Coach Voss.”
The Hilltoppers would pick up an insurance run in the sixth, on a Tiger miscue allowing the red-hot Tony Fleischauer, who had doubled, to score.
Greg Ziegler finished off the Tigers 1-2-3 in the seventh, to nail down the save with two strikeouts. Ziegler had a perfect 2-for-2 day with a walk, at the plate.
“Jared (Voss) has always been a Joliet Catholic guy at heart,” JCA pitching coach Ryan Quigley said. “It has been not about wins and losses but about how he has taught us, to be successful people, in life not just on the ball field.”
“Having played and coached for Jared, this is a very happy moment for me to witness,” JCA former associate baseball coach and current JCA varsity head football coach Jake Jaworski said. “Having played for and coached with Jared, he has had a great impact on my life, on and off the field.”
“It’s all about the kids”, Associate coach Tony Giese said. “We have had such great kids here at Joliet Catholic. For the 20 years, I have been here and for all the victories we have accomplished, it has been all about the kids.”
Garret Cook, Gavin Doyle and Chris Miller, each singled for the three Tiger hits in the game

SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN BLUE
Lockport 4 Homewood-Flossmoor 1
The Porters (12-8, 4-1) kept pace with Lincoln-Way East (18-2, 4-1) in the SWSC Blue on Friday. John Gallet and Rich Jessie, combined on a five-hitter with Gallet picking up the win and Jesse, his third save of the year.
Freshman Ryan Moerman and CJ Weins, singled home Porter runs, while Bryan Fox, chipped in with a double.

INTERSTATE 8 CROSSOVER
Herscher 13 Westmont 6
The Sentinels (11-10, 3-7 North) fell to the I-8 South leaders from Herscher (17-4, 7-3) on Friday. Christian Alexander and Mike Kokoszka, each had three hits on the day for Westmont.

NONCONFERENCE
Downers Grove North 12 Benet Academy 4
The Trojans (8-10) blasted the Redwings behind Parker Webber and TJ Drohan, who both drove home a pair of Trojan runs.
The Redwings (9-8) were led by Andy Prisby, who had a pair of RBI and Connor Hincks chipped in with a double.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

After having a great time dancing with his six-year old daughter Lyla, Friday night, the newest member of the 500 career-win coaching fraternity, JCA’s Jared Voss, was back to business, on Saturday.

Winning their 11^th and 12^th consecutive games, Voss’ Hilltoppers, (18-3, 9-0), romped past St. Patrick 12-0 and 9-0, in their East Suburban Catholic Conference twin-bill at Kerry Wood Park, in Chicago. The first game went six innings.

In game one, LHP Aidan Tyrell, fired a one-hitter with 10 strikeouts, to improve to 6-0 for the season. Matt Bebar, led the 10-hit Hilltopper attack with a pair of hits and three ribbies. First baseman Max Cullen, also drove homethree Hilltopper runs. Jared Cushing and Greg Ziegler, continued their torrid hitting, with two hits, each. Cushing picked up an RBI, too.

In game two,, RHP Zak Gould (3-1) fired a three-hitter, with 11 punch-outs at the Shamrocks (11-10, 1-7). Third baseman Chris Knapczyk, had three RBIs and Tyrell picked up three hits, to lead the 12-hit Hilltopper assault.

Cullen and Tony Fleischauer, each had two hits, while the red-hot Cushing, drove home two and Bebar drove home his fourth run of the day.

NONCONFERENCE

Rockton Hononegah 3, Plainfield South 2
The Cougars (14-3) suffered their first loss of the season to an Illinois team at home on Saturday. The Cougar head coach Phil Bodine “600 watch” was temporarily put on hold as Bodine still sits on 595 career coaching wins.

299 FOR DARLINGTON

PLAINFIELD NORTH 11, BARRINGTON 3
The Tigers (13-5) rolled past the Mid-Suburban West leaders from Barrington (14-3-2) behind Brady Miller. Miller had three hits and drove home three Tiger runs. Cam Kissel, Sean Tilmon and Chris Miller, all drove home a pair of Tiger runs. Gavin Doyle allowed an unearned run and a hit, in four innings to get the win, while Nick Cerrato went the rest of the way for the save.

The win was No. 299 for Plainfield North coach John Darlington . The Tigers will play for Darlington’s 300^th, Monday at home versus Oswego East at 4:30.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
Benet Academy 3 Carmel 0

Redwing right-hander Quinn Moriarty (4-1), fired a no-hitter at the Corsairs (10-5, 4-2) in game one. Moriarty struck out four. Moriarty’s batterymate Brandon Gorz, continue his torrid hitting with two hits and three RBI. Paddy Hincks chipped in with three hits for Benet Academy (10-9, 6-2)

Carmel 2 Benet Academy 1
The Redwings (11-9, 5-3) fell a run short in Saturday’s nightcap, in Mundelein. Chris Perry, allowed just one run in his solid five innings, of work on the mound. Paddy Hincks drove home the lone Redwing run and Aaron Staehely, chipped in with a pair of Redwing hits.

Dons sweep away The Roadrunners

Notre Dame 6 Nazareth Academy 2

The Dons (9-7, 3-3) took Game One behind LHP Paul Bergstrom and RHP Matt Ambrose, combined for a three-hitter, against the Roadrunners (10-9-1, 3-5). Bergstrom fanned four while Ambrose struck out three in the combined masterpiece.

Jackson Kaplowitz, continued his torrid hitting with two more hits. Dylan Coleman also had two hits for ND. Kevin Garcia drove home a Don run.

Notre Dame 8 Nazareth Academy 3
In Game Two, the surging Dons (10-7, 4-3) won for the sixth consecutive time to get the ESCC sweep. Kyle Schuster led the Don assault with three RBI. Kevin Garcia chipped in with a hit and two RBI while Nat Moore and Kevin Pritt, each of whom had two hits. Kaplowitz picked up a Don RBI.

Moore allowed a run in his game-winning, five inning performance, on the mound for the Dons. Moore struck out seven Roadrunner hitters.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN CROSSOVERS
Maine East 2 Maine South 0
In the “Battle for Park Ridge” the Demons (6-9, 2-6 North) blanked the Hawks (10-11, 4-3 South), behind a Antoine Kelly, two-hit shutout. Kelly struck out 17 Hawk hitters during his masterpiece, on the South Side of Park Ridge.

Kelly, would single home the only run he would need, while Ankido Ishac, would drive home the other Demon run. Joe Gaiser chipped in with a pair of hits for East.

Niles West 5 Vernon Hills 3

The Wolves (6-6-1) won behind a combined Diego Acosta and Brandon Kaihara, who combined for a four hitter. Acosta had six punch-outs to get the win. Andy Pabst picked up an RBi for West while Sal Butera, chipped in with a pair of hits.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Downers Grove South 14 Proviso East 0 (4 ½ innings)

The WSC leading Mustangs (12-5, 8-1) hammered the last-place Pirates behind a combined one-hitter by Gino (WP) Cozzi and Jake Wistler. Jack Blazevich, led the Mustang attack with two hits and three RBI. Red-hot Brett Riegler had two more hits while Anthony Stellato chipped in with a pair of hits.

WEST SUBURBAN SILVER
Oak Park 3 Downers Grove North 1

The Trojans (8-11, 6-6) fell to the Huskies in Oak Park (12-3,7-3) on Saturday. Ben Johnson picked up a hit for the Trojans and TJ Drohan drove home the lone run for DGN.

NONCONFERENCE

Lockport 8, Joliet West 1 Military Appreciation Game
In the annual Military Appreciation Day area game, this time at Joliet West, Lockport (13-8) rolled past the Tigers (6-13), before a huge turn-out on Saturday afternoon. Nick Schindler and Nolan Weis, each singled, doubled and had a pair of RBI, to lead the Porter attack. John West singled and drove home two Porter runs. Josh Bentley and Bryan Fox chipped in with two singles and an RBI, each

On the mound for the Porters, Jake Berger allowed a run and four hits in four innings of work to get the wind. TJ Jaros, fired three scoreless innings of relief to finish up the game.

Brett Johnson and Mike Garcia lead the Tigers with two singles each.

Plainfield Central 12 DeKalb 5

The host Wildcats (13-8) rolled past the Barbs (5-15) in Plainfield on Saturday. Jake Donahue continued his assault on the baseball with a hit and three RBI. Justin Divelbiss added two hits and had two RBI, while shortstop Charlie Bischoff drove a pair of ‘Cat runs. Outstanding defensive Wildcat centerfielder Nick Heffernan chipped in with two hits.

Steelmen romp past East Aurora and Rich Central!
After taking their lumps in the mighty Southwest Prairie Conference, the Steelmen took out their frustrations, on a pair of nonconference opponents.

Joliet Central 10 East Aurora 0 (Five Innings)

In the second game ever played, on the new all-turf field at Route 66 Speedway Stadium, in Joliet, the Steelmen destroyed the Tomcats in five innings. Under the lights on Friday night, Jared King and Diego Martinez, combined to one-hit Aurora East. King struck out five in his four innings of work to pick up the win on the mound. Martinez struck out four Tomcat batters, one reaching on a dropped third strike, in the fifth, to finish the shutout.

Ethan Darley and Nate Magolan, each drove home three Steelmen runs. Carlos Garcia added a hit and an RBI, while Connor Lawson chipped in with two hits.

Joliet Central 10 Rich Central 2
Behind Alexander Gregurich, the Steelmen (10-11) romped past the Olympians on Saturday.

Gregurich had two hits and drove home three Steelmen runs. Johnny Slattery had two hits and two RBI while Jared King had two hits. Fabian Requena chipped in with a pair of RBI.

Cole Sebby and Nick Kasper, combined on a two-hitter with Sebby picking up the win. Sebby, struck out two and gave up just one run in his five inning, game-winning performance.

All in all, it was a great weekend for Joliet Central head coach Kevin Fitzgerald.

“The Ville” and “The Brook” Win !!!!
Romeoville 7 Elk Grove 5

Along the banks of Salt Creek, in Elk Grove, the Spartans (3-18), rallied past the Mid-Suburban East Grenadiers (5-10-1) on Saturday, behind Dylan Scufari. Scufari, led the Spartans with three big RBI. Trailing 5-4, in the top of the seventh, the Spartans exploded for three big runs to take the 7-5 lead into the home half of the seventh.

Hunter Frost, who put out the four-run Grenadier bottom of the sixth, fire, slammed the door on the Grens, in the seventh, to pick up the win on the mound.

Josh Golibrzuch added three hits and drove home a Spartan run. Julio Garcia and Jack McFarland chipped in with two hits, each. Zach Swearingin, also drove home a run for “The Ville.”

Bolingbrook 4, Reavis 2
The Raiders (2-11) surprised the Rams (10-11-2) at Ron Czarnecki Field in Burbank, behind a combined three-hitter from Jake Harvey and Tyler Kellum. Harvey allowed one run in his solid five innings on the mound to get the win. Kellum gave up a run but nailed down the save for Harvey. Armand Morales had a hit and an RBI while Matt Dinkel chipped in with two hits for the victorious Raiders.

Voyager Media Publications
Terrific Ten
1 JOLIET CATHOLIC       18-3   DEFENDING ESCC CHAMPS HAVE 1 ½ GAME LEAD ON MARIST
2 PLAINFIELD SOUTH   14-3   SPC LEADING COUGARS HOST NO. 3 WEDNESDAY
3 PLAINFIELD EAST        18-2 BENGALS HOST NO.2 THURSDAY   BE THERE!
4 PLAINFIELD NORTH   13-5 WILL JOHN DARLINGTON GET WIN NO.300 MONDAY???
5 LOCKPORT                    13-7 PORTERS SWSC BLUE TRI LEADER LW EAST SANDBURG
6 PLAINFIELD CENTRAL 13-8 WILDCATS CAN HANG WITH THE BIG BOYS
7 MINOOKA                      9-7   DEFENDING SPC CHAMPS STRUGGLE IN SPC
8 DG SOUTH                   12-5   MUSTANGS RUNNING AWAY WITH WSC GOLD
9 BENET                           10-9   REDWINGS BATTLE FOR SECOND IN ESCC
10 NOTRE DAME             10-7   SURGING DONS HAVE WON SIX STRAIGHT!

On the Bubble NILES WEST 6-6-1 LISLE 12-8

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
Glenbrook North 13-5 5-1

Deerfield 9-8 4-2

Highland Park 11-8 3-3

Maine West 6-9 3-4

Maine East 6-9 2-5

Vernon Hills 7-11-1 1-7

CENTRAL SUBURBAN SOUTH
New Trier 12-4 6-2

Evanston 15-6-1 6-2

Maine South 10-11 4-3

Niles West 6-6-1 3-3

Glenbrook South 7-12 3-4

Niles North 2-16 2-6

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Joliet Catholic Academy 18-3 8-0

Marist 16-5 7-2

Carmel                                         11-5       5-2
Benet                                           10-9       5-3
Notre Dame                                10-7       5-3
Marian Catholic                          10-11     5-5
Nazareth Academy                    11-8-1    3-5

St. Viator 11-10 2-7

St. Patrick 11-10 1-7

MCC 5-10 0-7

INTERSTATE 8 NORTH
Coal City 18-4 9-1

Lisle 12-8 6-2

Sandwich 8-10 5-4
Westmont 11-10 3-7

Seneca 6-8 3-7
Plano 3-18 0-9

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE

Plainfield South          14-3        9-0
Plainfield East             19-2        8-1
Plainfield North          13-5        7-2

Oswego East 11-6 6-3
Oswego 11-6 4-5

Plainfield Central 13-8 4-5

Minooka                        9-7         4-5
Joliet West                    6-14        2-7
Romeoville                    3-18        1-8
Joliet Central               10-11       0-9

SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN BLUE

Lincoln-Way East 18-2 4-1
Lockport 13-7 4-1

Sandburg 13-4 4-1
Homewood-Flossmoor 6-7-1 2-4

Stagg 12-6-1 1-4

Bolingbrook 2-11 1-5

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Downers Grove South 12-5 8-1

Willowbrook 14-7 8-4

Leyden 9-10-1 7-5
Hinsdale South 8-9 4-3

Addison Trail 10-10 4-5

Morton 3-14 1-5

Proviso East 0-13 0-9

WEST SUBURBAN SILVER

Lyons Township 12-4 8-3
Oak Park 12-3 7-3

York 14-5 6-3

Downers Grove North 8-11 6-6
Glenbard West 8-8 5-6

Hinsdale Central 9-9 4-7

Proviso West 1-16 0-8

Compiled by Drake Skleba

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

78 Degrees. A beautiful sunset in Joliet.
And No. 1 Joliet Catholic Academy baseball, under the lights, on the new turf, at Route 66 Stadium.
The home of the Joliet Slammers, never looked more awesome, than with it’s brand-new field turf, and a big crowd, to watch the East Suburban Catholic Conference battle, between the Hilltoppers and their guests, the Roadrunners from Nazareth Academy.
After an inning an a half, the Hilltoppers (19-3, 9-0) had the Roadrunners right where they wanted them. Trailing 1-0. For the fourth consecutive game, JCA would rally to a 5-3 victory, their 13^th consecutive win.
“It has really been great for us to have this streak, during a period where we have been playing everyday, due to the bad weather, this spring,” Joliet Catholic Academy head coach Jared Voss said. “We have been playing great baseball and everybody on the team has been stepping up for us.”
In the bottom of the second inning, the Hilltoppers used the Route 66 Stadium lights to tie the game at 1-1.
Starting and winning pitcher Greg Ziegler, led off with an infield double, when the Roadrunner second baseman, lost his pop up in the lights. With two outs, Hilltopper first baseman Max Cullen, came through with a clutch???, two-out RBI single, scoring the tying run. Cullen’s infield pop up, was once again lost in the lights, this time by the Roadrunner third baseman.
The Hilltoppers broke open the game with a four-run, fourth inning to go up 5-1. The red-hot Tony Fleischauer, led off the inning with a single, Cullen reached on an error and second baseman Justin Conant, laid down a perfect-bunt single, to load the bases.
The play of the game was next.
Hilltopper No. 9 hitter, Christian Knapczyk, ripped a laser, that went over the Roadrunners left fielder, scoring Fleischauer and Cullen, for a 3-1 Hilltopper lead.
“I went up to the plate with the idea to just get the ball in play,” Knapczyk said. “It felt great to see it go over the left fielder’s head and get the two big runs home for us.”
Leadoff man Aidan Tyrell would pick up an RBI on a groundout, to close out scoring in the inning.
Nazareth (11-9-1, 3-6) would pickup runs in the fifth and sixth innings, to close to within 5-3 against Ziegler (2-1). Ziegler would allow two earned runs on just five hits, with eight strikeouts for his game-winning performance.
“I started out slowly but I really ended up throwing the ball well tonight,” Ziegler said. “My fastball was really working and was my best pitch.”
In the seventh, JCA head coach Jared Voss, would summon Dan Dominguez, to nail down the save for Ziegler.
With the final two outs via strikeout and Dominguez, had his third save of the game and the Hilltoppers had won for the 13^th consecutive time.
“I had to bounce back after a bad last-outing at Lincoln-Way Central,” Dominguez said. “I went out and threw the ball well tonight to nail down my third save of the season.”

SPC REPORT
Plainfield South 5 Joliet Central 1
The Cougars (15-3, 10-0) rallied past the Steelmen (10-12, 0-10) to set up huge SPC showdown at Plainfield East (20-2, 9-1) on Tuesday. Senior Trey Ricko, went the distance to improve to 5-0 on the mound, allowing just five hits, with 11 punch-outs. Cougar leadoff man Tony Mosher, drove home a pair of Cougars runs and junior catcher Justin McGuigan, chipped in with two more hits,

Plainfield East 10 Joliet West 7
The Bengals (20-2, 9-1) held off the Tigers (6-15, 2-8) on Monday. Dylan Carlson and Seth Blanchard led the 11-hit Bengal attack. Carlson had three hits and drove home a pair of Bengal runs while Blanchard, continued his hot-hitting with two more hits and two ribbies. Jake Havis, chipped in with a pair of Bengal RBI.

Plainfield North 5 Oswego East 1
Brady Miler improves to 6-1 on the mound with a 10-strikeout five hitter, for the Tigers (14-5, 8-2). Miller also chipped in with a pair of hits and an RBI, while shortstop Gavin Doyle, drove home two more Tiger runs, giving him 11 RBI in the last three Tiger games. Miller’s battery mate catcher Greg Budig, had a pair of hits for the red-hot Tigers.

Plainfield Central 11 Minooka 10

The Wildcats (14-8, 5-5) hung on and beat the defending SPC champion Indians, in Plainfield on Monday. Jake Donahue continued his assault on the baseball, with four more hits for the Wildcats. Jack Lindish drove home two big runs for Central.
Minooka (9-8, 4-6) was led by Cherokee Lebeau, who drove home four Indian runs while catcher Luke Faifer ha three RBI for Minooka. Seth Gutnecht, chipped in with three Indian hits.

Oswego 12 Romeoville 1
The Spartans (3-19, 1-9) fell in five innings on Monday at home.

ESCC REPORT
Notre Dame 12 St Viator 2 (6 innings)

The rampaging Dons (11-7, 6-3) made it seven in a row crushing the Lions on Monday The Dons scored six times in the bottom of the sixth, to put this one to bed early. Jackson Kaplowitz continued his torrid hitting, with two more hits and two RBI. Kyle Schuster and Paul Bergstrom each added two ribbies, while Kevin Garcia chipped in with three hits. Nathan, not Nick, Moore, also had two hits for ND.

Joe Buikema, went the distance for the Dons, throwing a four hitter at the Lions.

Marian Catholic 12 Benet Academy 4
The Redwings (10-10, 5-4) fell to the Spartans, in Chicago Heights on Monday. Tony Snell continued his hot-hitting of late, driving home three Redwing runs.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD

Downers Grove South 18 Willowbrook 7
The WSC Gold leaders from DGS (13-5, 9-1) opened up a commanding four game lead in the WSC Gold with the win. Nick Stacey continues to rip the cover off the baseball with another three-hit day, with four RBI for the Mustangs. Brett Riegler, stayed hot with two more ribbies and Jack Blazevich, chipped in with two more hits

INTERSTATE 8 NORTH
Lisle 4 Seneca 3
The Lions (13-8, 7-2) kept pace with Coal City in the I-8 North, with the win at Seneca on Monday. AJ Casmer pitched and hit the Lions past the Fighting Irish. Casmer, improved to 5-1 on the mound, going the distance, scattering eight hits, with nine strikeouts. Casmer, helped himself out at the plate with a pair of Lion ribbies. Jay McGrath and Connor Nigro, drove home the other two Lion runs.

Coal City 7 Westmont 4
The Sentinels (11-11, 3-8) fell to I-8 North leader Coal City (19-4, 10-1) on Monday. Mike Kokoszka, Riley Basit, Alex Marotta and Bobby Risden, drove home the four Sentinel runs. Basit had two hits.

WEST SUBURBAN SILVER
Lyons Township 15 Downers Grove North 4

The Trojans (8-12, 6-7) fell to the WSC Silver leading Lions on Monday.

The staff of Family Outreach Program, Inc. are happy to announce to area residents of Will County that The Family Outreach Program will conduct a Mobile Food Pantry outlet every Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m. behind Hillcrest Shopping Center, 1701 N Larkin Ave, Crest Hill, in the north back parking lot. Approximately one box of assorted food (plus bread, pastries and miscellaneous items are offered when available) is issued per family represented. Recipients are not limited to Crest Hill but should be from Illinois.

Recently the number has averaged around 200 families per week not including emergency requests. The pantry is documented by the Northern Illinois Food Bank to be one of the largest distributor of food to the needy, as measured by volume of food in Will and Grundy Counties.

The following is further information about the pantry: No fee or requirements is needed other than to sign a recipient’s name and address on an emergency food program sheet issued from Illinois D.H.S. and the Northern Illinois Food Bank. There is also a table of minimum income level on the signature sheet for which recipients qualify. Feel free to call the above number if interested. The Crest Hill Family Outreach Program Pantry is partnered with the Northern Illinois Food Bank. For further information about the food pantry, feel free to call and or leave a message at 815 730 9567, see our website at http://familyoutreachprogram.org or https://www.facebook.com/familyoutreachprogramorg/

Note to readers: Information in Police Blotter is obtained from Romeoville Police Department and the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals listed in Police Blotter charged with a crime have not been proven guilty in court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

MARCH 8

Elisa Rayford, 39, of Romeoville, was arrested at 10:30 p.m. in the area of Weber and Creekside for driving with a suspended license and no rear registration light.

MARCH 14

Richard Ortiz, 22, of Romeoville, was arrested at 9:41 p.m. in the area of Macon and Romeo Road for an in-state warrant.

MARCH 24

Cedric Ashford, 19, of Romeoville, was arrested at 7:43 a.m. in the area of Budler and Normantown for reckless driving, too fast for conditions and improper lane usage.

Kristy Bigelow, 39, of Romeoville, was arrested at 10:45 p.m. in the area of Airport and Weber for DUI, speeding, failure to wear seatbelt and loud muffler.

MARCH 25

Salvador Chavira, 22, of Bolingbrook, was arrested at 2:33 a.m. in the area of Route 53 and Airport Road for DUI and improper lane usage.

Ivan Villegas, 26, of Chicago, was arrested at 6:39 p.m. in the area of Weber and Romeo Road for an in-state warrant and failure to wear seat belt.

Nomar Valcarcel, 21, Joliet, was arrested at 1:13 p.m. in the 400 block of Hamrick for possession of a controlled substance and possession of cannabis.

MARCH 26

A retail theft was reported in the 400 block of North Weber Road at 11:41 p.m. An unknown person took five packages of allergy medication with a total value of $145 from the business.

MARCH 27

Maria Juarez-Martinez, 23, of Chicago, was arrested at 10:59 p.m. in the area of Crossroads and Normantown for no valid driver’s license and speeding.

MARCH 29

Emmanuel Okyere, 44, of Woodridge, was arrested at 9:44 p.m. in the area of Route 53 and Belmont for no valid dl, disobey traffic signal and no insurance.

Arturas Mackus, 35, of Romeoville, was arrested at 2:17 a.m. in the 200 block of West Romeo Road for aggravated DUI, no valid driver’s license and improper lighting.

Jaime Becerra-Ramirez, 19, of Plainfield, was arrested at 6:24 p.m. in the area of Romeo and Belmont for possession of cannabis.

MARCH 30

Rizwan Khalid, 35, of Oswego, was arrested at 1:38 a.m. in the 400 block of North Independence for DUI, no insurance and illegal possession of firearm/ammunition.

Alejandra Morales, 25, of Chicago, was arrested at 2:59 p.m. in the area of Theodore and Crossroads driving with a suspended license, speeding and in-state warrant.

APRIL 3

Yesenia Juarez-Pozo, 25, of Joliet, was arrested at 11:03 p.m. in the area of Zachary and Bayles for aggravated DUI, driving with a suspended license, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, no insurance, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report accident, failure to give information and an in-state warrant.

APRIL 4

Tara Dutkiewicz, 44, of Bolingbrook, was arrested at 2:18 a.m. in the area of Route and Alexander for DUI, improper lane use and no rear registration light.

APRIL 6

Sergio Castillo, 34, of Romeoville, was arrested at 5:33 a.m. in the area of Route 53 and Romeo Road for driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident, illegal transportation of alcohol, no insurance, improper lane usage and disobey traffic signal.

APRIL 8

A theft of motor vehicle parts was reported at 3:38 p.m. in the 1200 block of West Normantown. Unknown person(s) took a wheel and lug nuts from a vehicle that parked at the business.

APRIL 10

A criminal defacement of property was reported at 3:18 p.m. in the 200 block of South Weber Road. Unknown person(s) spray painted graffiti on various locations at the property.

Paul Collins, 52, of Naperville, was arrested at 4:55 p.m. in the area of Weber and I-55 for illegal use of cell phone and two in-state warrants.

APRIL 11

Kenyetta Lyles, 42, of Bolingbrook, was arrested at 7:26 p.m. in the area of Dalhart and Corona for driving with a suspended license and speeding.

A criminal damage to property was reported at 10:10 p.m. in the 800 block of Ontario. Unknown person(s) slashed all four tires on a vehicle that was parked in the street.

APRIL 12

Sandra Rychtarczyk, 31, of New Lenox, was arrested at 2:36 a.m. in the area of Romeo Road and Route 53 for DUI, failure to signal, no insurance and improper lane use.

Matthew Hernandez, 24, of Joliet, was arrested at 2:33 p.m. in the area of Route 53 and Alexander for no valid driver’s license.

John Noak, 44, of Romeoville, was arrested at 5:46 p.m. in the area of Belmont Drive and 135th St. for DUI, no insurance and improper lane usage.

APRIL 16

An arson was reported at 2:08 p.m. in the 1700 block of Raleigh Trail. Unknown person(s) burned a section of plastic stairs used for playground equipment.

APRIL 17

Juan Garcia, 28, of Romeoville, was arrested at 2:09 a.m. in the area of Route 53 and Material Road for driving with a suspended license, improper lane usage, no driver’s license on person, and failure to notify Secretary of State of address change.

APRIL 18

Lashion Chester, 50, of Chicago, was arrested at 9:23 a.m. in the area of Route 53 and University Parkway for driving with a suspended license and speeding.

By Drake Skleba
For the Bugle

With first-place on the line, on a beautiful 87-degree day, on the East Side of Plainfield, the Cougars of Plainfield South’s (16-3, 11-0) bats, were as hot as the weather. With the bases loaded and nobody out, in the very first inning, Cougar cleanup man AJ Mannucci, dug in.

Mannucci, would come through with a two-RBI single, for a 2-0 Cougar lead. Shortstop Griffin Lapp, would follow with an RBI single and Plainfield South would roll to an 11-1 Southwest Prairie Conference victory, in five innings. With the win, the first-place Cougars would increase their SPC lead, to two full games over Plainfield East (20-3, 9-2) and Plainfield North (16-5, 9-2).

Mannucci, would go on to have a perfect day at the plate, with three singles, two runs scored, a walk and the two RBI, that got the Cougar party started.

“I went up to the plate and had a good approach with the idea, to hit it the other way,” Mannucci said. “I was able to come through for us, once again.”

Second baseman Connor Blake, would score three runs along with a single and a two-RBI double, in the six-run Cougar fourth.

“I had a number of two-strike counts today,” Blake said. “I was able to get good swings, for solid two-strike hits.”

The six-run fourth inning explosion, was ignited by Cougar first baseman Ryan Pawlak. Pawlak led off the fourth, with a monster blast, that sailed over the right field fence. Romeoville Doplar radar, picked up Pawlak’s blast heading over Bolingbrook.

After throwing consecutive no-hitters in his last two Cougar starts, junior lefty Austin Richardson (5-1) settled for a two-hitter. Having thrown 16 consecutive no-hit innings, Richardson had his streak broken, by a bomb off the bat of Plainfield East centerfielder Sean Hebreard. Hebreard’s blast, was also picked up by Romeoville Doplar Radar, somewhere over Bolingbrook.

“I had absolutely no command of my pitches, tonight,” Richardson said. “My curve ball was out of control. That’s why I hit three batters. All the success I had today, I owe to my outstanding defense.”

Speaking of the outstanding Cougar defense, what follows is a list of Cougar Web Gems.

First inning laser caught by third baseman Zach Pawlak, to end East’s bases-loaded threat.

Lapp’s snaring hard-hit grounder, off the bat of East’s Jake Havis and turning a Lapp-to Blake-to Ryan Pawlak, 6-4-3 double play, to get out of the second.

The best web gem we save for the last play of the game.

East’s Andy Hoffman hit a rocket heading into left field, with a teammate aboard, with one out in the bottom of the fifth. What happened next would have made Plainfield South head basketball coach Tim Boe proud.

Lapp showed off what appeared to be his 40-inch vertical leap, to grab the Hoffman’s laser and fire a strike top Pawlak, for the double play. Game Over.

“I just reacted to the last play of the game,” Lapp said. “I didn’t know I could jump so high. It was amazing! I didn’t even realize I had caught it until I looked in my glove. Huge win for us and an other big game with East tomorrow.”

“Austin (Richardson) will tell you he did not have much today for us on the mound,” Plainfield South head coach Phil Bodine said. “All his performance today showed was what a truly great pitcher he can be. To battle against a great Plainfield East team and get us out of here in five innings is a great accomplishment.”

“We really hit the ball well against a great Plainfield East pitcher. “We played great defense and we must come out and do the same tomorrow, against East.”

SPC REPORT

Plainfield North 5 Joliet Central 1
The Tigers (15-5, 9-2) moved into a second place tie with Plainfield South (20-3, 9-2) with the win. Eben Heine and Tiger closer Nick Cerrato, combined on a six-hitter. Heine went the first four innings allowing a run and Cerrato slammed the door on the Steelmen (11-13, 0-11), firing three shutout innings to get the save.

Ryan Summers drove home two Tiger runs while Sean Tilmon, had two hits and an RBI. Garret Cook chipped in with two hits, while Cam Kissel picked up a Tiger RBI.

Plainfield Central 7 Joliet West 4
The Wildcats’ (15-8, 6-5) were led by their hard-hitting, third baseman David Ascensio. Ascensio, hammered a two-run bomb and drove home three runs, for the Wildcats. Bobby “Boogaloo” Boekelo, also went deep for the Wildcats, while Justin Divelbiss, had two singles, scored a pair of runs and drove one a run.

Chris Conrad (3-2) pitched six solid innings to pick up the Wildcat win. In a scary Joliet West seventh, Anthony Noble and Charlie Bischoff closed out the victory with Bischoff nailing down the save.

Joliet West (6-16, 2-9) was led by Mark Garcia who drove home a pair of Tiger runs and Tyler Pransky, who chipped in with two hits.

Minooka 9 Romeoville 2
The Indians (10-8, 5-6) were led by Cole Alstott and Seth Gutknecht on Tuesday. Alstott had two hits and drove home four Indian runs. Gutknecht went the distance on the mound, firing a six-hitter with six strikeouts, at the Spartans. Gutknecht also had three Indian hits at the plate. Cherokee Lebeau had two more hits and catcher Luke Faifer drove in two Indian runs.

Romeoville (3-20, 1-10) was led by Hunter Frost who drove home both Spartan runs.

ESCC REPORT
Joliet Catholic 14 Nazareth 4
The Hilltoppers rolled past the Roadrunners in La Grange Park, behind Jared Cushing and the still red-hot Tony Fleischauer. Cushing drove home three Hilltopper runs and Fleischauer continues to tear the cover off the baseball, with three more hits. Matt Bebar also had a three-hit day, while Greg Ziegler picked up a pair of Hilltopper ribbies.

With the win (yawn) the Hilltoppers (20-3, 10-0 ) have added the 17^th,, 20-win season, in the legendary coaching career of head coach Jared Voss. If anyone is still counting, the Roadrunners became the 504^th victory, of Voss’ career.

Benet Academy 11 Marian Catholic 8
The Redwings (11-10, 6-4) outslugged the Spartans in Lisle on Tuesday. Redwing left fielder Mike Wymer, known throughout for his outstanding defense, continued to torch the baseball with two hits and three RBI.

St. Viator 10 Notre Dame 0
The Dons (11-8, 6-4) seven-game winning streak came to an end on Tuesday.

INTERSTATE 8 REPORT

Lisle 14 , Seneca 3
At Field No. 7 Field in Lisle (14-8, 8-2), the host Lions unleashed an 18-hit onslaught against the Fighting Irish. Aaron Cail, had four hits and drove home four Lion runs. Damien Guerrero had three hits and three RBI, while Jay McGrath, chipped in with a pair of RBI. Zach Webber also had a three-hit day for Lisle, who keeps pace with I-8 North leader Coal City (20-4, 10-1)

Once again, there were reports of Lion fans, in the cool waters of the nearby DuPage River. This time, being refreshed from scorching 87 degree temps on Tuesday.

Coal City 11 Westmont 1
The Sentinels (11-12, 3-9) were crushed by the I-8 North leading Coalers (20-4, 10-1).SOUTHWEST

SUBURBAN BLUE

Homewood-Flossmoor 10 Lockport 5
The Porters (13-8, 4-2) were knocked out of first-place by the Vikings on Tuesday. John Weis had a double and two RBI to lead the Porters. CJ Weins chipped in with a single, double and an RBI for the Porters.

Stagg 12 Bolingbrook 8
The Raiders (2-12, 0-6) were outslugged by the Chargers on Tuesday. Josh Madsen, went deep with two Raider teammates aboard and Sebastian Ramirez had three singles and an RBI, for The Brook. Tyler Christy also had a three-hit day for the Raiders with a pair of doubles.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD

Downers Grove South 4 Willowbrook 2
The WSC Gold leaders inched another game closer to wrapping up another WSC Gold title on Tuesday. DGS (14-5, 11-1) scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth to roll to victory behind the red-hot Jack Blazevich and Nick Stacey. Jake Pileggi chipped in with a pair of Mustang hits.

Blazevich, continued his hot-hitting with two hits and two RBI. Stacey fired a six-hitter at the Warriors (14-9, 8-6) with two strikeouts.

By Mark Gregory
Sports Editor
@Hear_The_Beard
mark@buglenewspapers.com

The Joliet area has been one to produce a plethora of talented high school and major college basketball players.

That has not, however, resulted in sending players to the professional ranks in the National Basketball Association.

Sure, several have found success in the professional ranks overseas, but the NBA is the pinnacle of any player’s career and few have broken through.

Lockport Township High School grad Richaun Holmes is one of very few area players to make it to the NBA.
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Sport)

Three years ago – as a second round draft choice of the Philadelphia 76ers – Lockport High School graduate Richaun Holmes entered into that sacred fraternity.

Holmes started off on one of the worst teams in the NBA, but now the Sixers and the 24-year-old former Porter is placing his name among the Will County greats.

Holmes is only the seventh player born in the Joliet area to play in the NBA and only the sixth that attended a local school.

“I am tremendously blessed,” Holmes said. “There are so many talented players to come from that area and God has been so good to me. When you put the work in and see where the game can take you and you never know. I just keep my head on straight and keep that tunnel vision.”

Bulbs Ehlers, the first-ever draft pick of the Boston Celtics, was born in Joliet, but attended high school at South Bend Central in South Bend, Indiana.

With 156 games currently played in the NBA, Holmes is second only to Hall of Famer George Mikan as far as games played in the league for players in the Joliet area.

When he was drafted, he joined Mikan, George Munroe (80 games), Roger Powell, Jr. (3 games) and fellow Lockport graduate Alando Tucker (51 games) as the only area players.

Bolingbrook’s Ben Moore was called up from the G-League and saw action in a pair of games this year for the Indiana Pacers.

With a four games to one series win over the Miami Heat, Holmes became the first Joliet-area player to be part of a playoff-winning team since Mikan won the 1954 NBA title with the Minneapolis Lakers.

“This has been a pretty good run and we are just trying to do the best we can to extend it,” Holmes said. “It has been an exciting time for the city and for us – especially the guys that went through that 10-win season. To see the fruits of your labor and to see all the hard work you put in turn around and put us in a position we are in now, it has been great. I can’t really explain it.”

The Sixers were not the talented team they are now when Holmes joined the squad in the 2015-16 season.

His rookie year, Philly earned only 10 wins, while increasing the total to 28 last season before posting a 55-27 record this year.

“For me, it was tough going through that time. I was trying to prove I belonged in the NBA and trying to secure a spot in the NBA while going through a 10-win season,” Holmes. “It was more about trusting the work that we all put in. I had to go through the grind those first couple years, but this turnaround has been great.

“We all love each other on this team. We are a very close knit group and I think that has a lot to do with us being so close in age and going through the same experiences. We have really leaned on each other. We have very competitive practices and everyone is trying to prove themselves and we are all getting better and it is a great thing to be competitive.”

While the team was going through rough spots, Holmes was able to get more floor time than he would have if selected by a winning team.

“Philly gave me the opportunity to show what I have and to get better in games and I had all the experiences you need as a young NBA player and going through those rough times, it gave me a chance to get better and to see what I had to do to stay in the league,” he said.

Having to prove himself is nothing new to Holmes.

As a Porter, he played behind Landon Gamble and Ed Ward.

As a senior, the scholarship offers did not pour in from the schools he had hoped, forcing Holmes to attend Moraine Valley Community College for one year.

All that, he said, taught him lessons and made him better.

“Since I have been playing basketball, this has been my path and I am in a similar situation now where I have to continue to prove myself to get minutes on the floor,” he said. “But, it is what I am built for and what I am made of and what I have been doing what I’ve done since I have been playing. My goal was to always make it to the NBA. I always wanted to give myself that motivation. Landon and Ed helped me out tremendously while I was at Lockport and just learning from those who are ahead of you and trying to get better was always my mindset.

“It is a never satisfied attitude for me. I always want to push myself to see how far I can get. It all motivates you. Success motivates you because you want more of that, failure motivates you because you want less of it. It is all about constantly improving and constantly get better and show this is what you want to do. This game is everything for me, so I try and put everything I have in it and it rewards me.”

Holmes and the 76ers fell 117-101 to Boston in the opening game of the second round of the NBA playoffs Monday.

The remains schedule is:
Game 2: 7:30pm, Thursday 5/3 @ Celtics
Game 3: 4pm, Saturday 5/5 @ 76ers
Game 4: 5pm, Monday 5/7 @ 76ers
Game 5: (IF NEEDED) TBD, Wednesday 5/9 @ Celtics
Game 6: (IF NEEDED) TBD, Friday 5/11 @ 76ers
Game 7: (IF NEEDED) TBD, Sunday 5/13 @ Celtics

Sharp eyed fans of the NBC TV show “Chicago P.D.” may see a familiar face on Wednesday (May 2) night’s episode: Romeoville police officer Gary Augustine. Augustine, an 18-year veteran who is currently assigned to the Community Oriented Policing unit, applied to be an extra through a casting agent and ended up getting a call. He took part in four scenes, including one that they did 21 times.

“They put me with the main character, Hank Voight,” explains Augustine. “Atwater, another character, is arresting someone behind me and I’m talking to Voight in the foreground. You won’t hear my dialogue though. I don’t have a Screen Actor’s Guild card, so I’m not allowed to speak on TV. I don’t know how many of my scenes will make it, you don’t know what’s cut and what’s not, but I’ve got my fingers crossed that the one where I’m with Voight will be in the show.”

Augustine called the eight and a half hour shooting day a great learning experience and said the authenticity of the show is pretty close to real. The technical advisor on the set is a Chicago police officer of nearly 20 years and makes sure that everything from radio dialogue and tactics to how actors hold a weapon is legitimate. “The magic of TV is incredible, but it’s such a long process. You have no idea the days of work that go into each episode and the hours and hours behind a seven second scene. It was just incredible to see how they do that.”

The episode, titled “Allegiance,” will air at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2. If you miss the show, it seems like you may get another chance to see Augustine on screen.

“I’ve been called for other episodes, but due to scheduling, I haven’t been able to make it. I’m on stand-by all the time. They keep in touch with me, check my availability, and try to get me in as many episodes and scenes as they can.”

This was Augustine’s first time as an extra, but hopefully not his last.

“I’m hoping to continue doing this. I’ve got the blessing from Chief Turvey. My friends always tease me about being the next Dennis Farina. He was a retired Chicago cop who got his start being an extra. Then somebody noticed him and he ended up doing a commercial. Next thing you know, he’s a supporting actor with John Travolta in several movies!”

By Laura Katauskas | Staff Reporter

In an effort to increase instruction time and collaboration, the Valley View School District is opting to switch to a block schedule for its middle school students.

During the 2018-2019 school year, all five Valley View middle schools will be moving from a seven-period daily schedule to a four-period “block” schedule. Start and end times will not change, but the length of each class period will change to 82 minute blocks of time.

According to the district students’ schedules will rotate in between an “A Day” and a “B Day and will have four classes each day. All students will have Math and Language Arts every day and will have STEM, Social Studies, and PE every other day. In addition students will have the choice between Band or Careers/WIN for their final course, which will also meet every other day.

WIN is a course that will include 20 minutes of advisory time, which focuses on social/emotional needs, 20 minutes of conferencing with a staff member to identify academic and social/emotional needs, and 40 minutes of time for students to work on targeted skills identified during conferencing to ensure academic and social/emotional success.

The district believes that this type of schedule with fewer transitions throughout the day, allows for more uninterrupted learning time in each class for deeper learning .

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