Marian Pitcher K's 15 in Sectional Win Over L-W West

pitcher Brett Lilek struck out the side in the first inning and never looked back, racking up 15 Ks in a complete game victory, 11-2 over in the sectional championship. 

According to IHSA.org, Lilek tied the Illinois high school record for most strikeouts in a state tournament game that didn't go to extra innings. (Two pitchers recorded 20+ strikeouts in extra-inning games.)

The Arizona State recruit was near-flawless, except for a two-run fourth inning where the Warriors fought back to tie the game 2-2. With two outs and the bases loaded, No. 9 hitter Nick Andrade pulled a single to drive in West's only two runs. 

After that, Marian's offense went off for nine more runs, keyed by Devin Pickett's two-run double in the fourth. 

Patch’s MVP: Who else but Lilek? He had twice as many strikeouts (15) as he did baserunners (7). After giving up two runs in the fourth, he didn't allow another Warrior on base.

Lincoln-Way's Leaders: Junior Nick Andrade was 1-2 with 2 RBIs. 

Marian's Leaders: Junior Patrick Swanson reached base and scored in all four plate appearances, going 3-3 with a walk. Junior Brad Bohlen was 1-3 with 2 RBIs. Senior Devin Pickett was 1-3 with 2 RBIs.

Quotable I: "We're playing together as one," Brett Lilek said on the total team effort. "During the regular season we weren't as focused as we are now. Now we're focused on that one goal and we're going to try to get it." 

Quotable II: "We made a nice run here at the end. Won some big games against a couple good teams. The senior class did a great job for us. A little disappointing today, obviously, but overall we had a good season." — Warriors coach Jake Zajc on his team's season.

What's Next: Lincoln-Way West's season is over. Marian Catholic will face Simeon in the supersectionals at 5 p.m. Monday, June 4, at the Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood. See the Class 3A bracket on IHSA.org.