The Niles West boys baseball program was able to pull a full sweep in their three game series against their district rivals, the Niles North Vikings. The Wolves played three games on April 21, 22 and 24, with their first two games being held at Niles North, and their third game being held at home.
The game held on the 21st was a close game for the boys, winning 3-2. In the second game the boys had a rough start, falling 0-5 in the first few innings. However, they managed a comeback, scoring five runs while also shutting out the Vikings completely, not allowing them to score, tying the game 5-5 by the end of regulation. In the extra inning the Wolves scored once in the top of the 8th and didn’t allow any runs by the Vikings during the bottom of the inning, securing the win while keeping fans on their toes for the whole game. In their final game of the series, the Wolves dominated, defeating the Vikings 11-1.
“I was really proud of them. You know, we came from behind in the first game, we came from behind to win the second game, and we took care of business in the third game to complete the sweep. I was really proud of them and it was a step in the right direction towards trying to chase a conference championship,” head baseball coach Christopher Macahon said.
Throughout the series the boys were confident that they would end up on top. It was important for them to play competitively and secure the wins no matter the circumstances. The boys held a strong defense with well-executed fielding and spectacular fielding; however, the name of the game for the series were the timely hits by the Wolves hitters, according to, senior Eli Ordower.
“It was really just grit. We always believe that we can come back no matter the circumstance…we came up with some big hits and clutch moments. We didn’t get a lot of hits most of the games, but it was the timely hitting that allowed us to win,” Ordower said.
The team’s senior class has never lost to the Vikings, according to senior captain, Teddy Schroeder, who believes that the sweep was a perfect outcome for the series.
“It felt amazing, especially with how the games went. Battling back and walking it off in game one, then coming back five runs and ended up winning in game two and then winning by 10 during game three… We really wanted to stay undefeated against them, but we knew they’d compete so we couldn’t get ahead of ourselves,” Schroeder said.
This is Macahon’s first year being the head varsity baseball coach at Niles West, and he has led the boys through a great season so far.
“I think the guys understand where I am coming from. They have patience with me and its been fun learning and I’m enjoying every step of the way. I am becoming better as a head coach every day, and I just hope to continue to do that and put these guys in the right spots to make them be as successful as they can be,” Macahon said.
Throughout the CSL North the boys are sitting second place and still hold a great chance to become conference champions. The boys will play their next game away against the Maine East Demons on May 8. Come out and support the Wolves!
