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Game 1 of the three-game series was a 14-13 barnburner. Game 2 was a 4-2 nail biter. Game 3 was a 22-0 beat down. The Hounds jumped out to an early 6-0 lead in the third inning and their bats never seemed to cool off. DuPage’s offense proceeded to plate two more runs in the fourth, four in the fifth, two in the sixth, three in the seventh and five in the eighth. The offense wasn't the only storyline for the Hounds tonight as the pitching was also dominant. Despite his shaky game one relief appearance, DuPage pitcher Peter Hamot returned to the mound as the Hounds’ starting pitcher tonight and his performance could not have been any better. He cruised through the first seven innings without allowing a run before handing it over to the pen. Relievers Preston Miracle and Kyle Sabie continued the shutout through the final two frames where they only allowed one base runner in their combined two innings of work.

 

Zac Taylor was slotted into the lead off spot for the third straight game where he went two for five with a single and a RBI triple. Ryan Fitzgerald’s hot bat found itself in the two hole for Monday’s contest where he used it to go two for four with a two singles. He also drove in two of the Hounds’ 22 runs and reached base a third time via the walk.

 

The Carrier bothers continue to be the most dominant three-four combo in the MCL as Trent reached base in all three of his chances tonight on a walk, a single and a double. He also drove in two RBIs. Shane ended up going two for five on the night with two singles and two RBIs. 

 

Dustin Krob saw his playoff average climb to an impressive .500 after reaching base in four out of his five at bats on a walk, two singles and a double. He also drove in three RBIs, which was tied for the game high. The other Hound to drive in three runs was Richie Gorski who went three for six with two singles and a double. 

 

Joe Duncan went one for three with a single and a RBI before being replaced with Emerson Misch who went one for two with a single and a RBI. Matt Wollnik manned the DH spot for tonight’s game where he went two for five with a single and a double. He also drove in two runs and reached base a third time on a walk. 

 

Catcher Billy Hayes caught the first half of the ballgame and went a perfect three for three at the dish after smacking a single and two doubles. Ryan Taylor replaced him half way through the contest where he went one for two at the plate with a two-run single.

 

Gio Schmidt entered the game late to replace Fitzgerald at second. Schmidt reached base in both of his plate appearances on a walk and a RBI single. Bobby Wenthe was another late-inning replacement who replaced Trent Carrier at first base. Despite hitting two balls to the warning track, Wenthe came away empty handed, but did drive in one run on a sac fly. 

 

As mentioned earlier, the work of starting pitcher Peter Hamot was absolutely magnificent as he proceeded to go seven strong innings in which he gave up no runs on seven hits while striking out six. Preston Miracle pitched a lock down eighth inning in which he gave up no runs on no hits. Finally, Kyle Sabie shut down the ninth after allowing no runs on one hit while striking out two.

 

For Joliet, Tyler Paulsen continued to rake as he went two for four at the plate with a single and a double. Nate Tholl reached base twice in his four trips on a walk and a single. Zach Thomas, Jack Martin, John Thomas, Danny Kelly and Alex Wolanski all reached base once on singles. 

 

The Hounds drove starter Steven Skolarz out of the ballgame after two and one-thirds innings after he gave up six runs on seven hits. Reliever Chris Hawkes did not fair much better as he surrendered eight runs on nine hits. Nate Tholl couldn't stop the bleeding either as he gave up three runs on three hits. Finally, Alex Wolanski took the hill after the ballgame was way out of reach and gave up five runs on three hits.

 

The first game of the Midwest Collegiate League Championship will take place on Wednesday, August 5th at the Lemont High School Sports Complex at 5:00 PM (CT) against the Lexington Snipes. The Snipes previously won their three game series over the NWI Oilmen. The Hounds beat the Snipes five times in nine chances during the regular season.