The New Lenox Rebels Red 13U team had an outstanding baseball weekend in Jacksonville Illinois. The tournament was played April 29th to May 1st at Lenz Field Sports Complex. The 13U Rebels came together as a team overcoming weather and delays to outlast nine very good baseball teams on their way to a 5-0 championship, outscoring their opponents 63-23. Game 1 was a 15-2 victory over Rawlings Tigers. Vinnie Landy, Luke Michalak, Nolan Recker, Ben Paraday and Andrew Palmblad lead the offensive charge combining for 12 RBI’s and 8 runs scored. The Tigers were kept in check by Jake Strilko and Glenn Jackson who combined for only 2 earned runs, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. Game 2 was a win versus the Illinois Patriots; Jack DuVall, Mark Kexel and Alex Rudzinski combined for 3 RBI’s, 6 runs scored and 3 stolen bases. Mark Kexel, Nolan Recker, Andrew Palmblad and Vinnie Landy worked to hold the Patriots to 5 earned runs, 6 walks and 3 strikeouts. Game 3 was a well fought game by both teams with New Lenox coming out on top over Champaign Dream 11-8. After spotting the Dream 4 runs in the first inning and an overnight rain delay the Rebels secured the victory thanks to Luke Michalak, Vinnie Landy and Jake Strilko’s offensive performances. They combined for 7 RBI’s, 2 scored runs and 1 stolen base. The Dream’s high powered offense was tamed by Jake Strilko, Ben Paraday and Luke Michalak who allowed 3 earned runs, 2 walk and 2 strikeouts. The Rebels defeated the Mattoon Hit-Men in the semi-finals game 8-6. Luke Michalak, Jake Strilko, Nolan Recker, Alex Rudzinski, Glenn Jackson and Ben Paraday combined for an offensive day with 7 RBI’s, 6 runs scored and 3 stolen bases. The pitching performance of Ben Paraday, Nolan Recker and Vinnie Landy helped to secure the close win by allowing 6 earned runs, 0 walks and 8 strikeouts. In the finale, the Rebels put together their most dominate performance of the weekend, defeating Bulltown Baseball 15-1. This was a complete team victory compiling 13 hits, 16 walks, 4 stolen bases and only 4 strikeouts as a team. This was all possible with the pitching staff allowing 0 earned runs, 0 walks and striking out 8.
The boys did a great job this weekend on a well-deserved championship. Thank you to my coaches: Rich Paraday, Jeff Strilko and Joe Landy for all of you support and help so far this year. Thank you to our team moms: Jen Combs, Julie Jackson and Lainie Landy for all the work you have put in so far. Thank you to all the parents of these wonderful boys for your continued support and commitment, without you none of this is possible.
