A crucial sixth-inning single from Carson Paulas led Lincoln-Way West to a narrow 1-0 victory over Hampshire in a varsity baseball game on Thursday afternoon.
According to the game's details, both teams remained scoreless through five innings until Paulas broke the deadlock with a base hit that drove in the game's only run. This effort helped the Warriors secure a nonconference win at home.
Pitching was dominant on both sides. Lincoln-Way West pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts, with starter Conor Essenburg throwing five shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out eight. Tyler Bartley earned the win in relief, striking out three over two scoreless innings.
Hampshire's starter Wilson Wemhoff also delivered an impressive performance, pitching five shutout frames with nine strikeouts. Reliever Anthony Karbowski took the loss after allowing the decisive run in the sixth inning.
Essenburg also contributed offensively for Lincoln-Way West, going 2-for-4 at the plate. Paulas went 1-for-3 with the lone RBI. The Warriors displayed patience at the plate, drawing six walks throughout the game.
Karbowski led Hampshire offensively, finishing 2-for-3. Defensively, Hampshire was flawless, with Alex Alonzo recording 11 chances in the field.
Lincoln-Way West is set to travel to face Willowbrook on Friday while Hampshire aims to regroup for its next outing.