IC Baseball in the News
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Montini edges IC
from the Daily Herald
Montini 10, Immaculate Conception 8: Trailing 7-4 in the top of the seventh with two outs and no one on base, the Broncos (8-10, 4-3) rallied for 6 runs to pull out the Suburban Christian Conference win. A 2-run triple by Mike Davis, who went 3-for-4, was the key blow in the inning. Jared Jayne and Tom Ruopp each had 2 hits and 2 RBI. Steve Maloney went 2-for-4 with a double, homer and 3 RBI for Immaculate Conception (14-8, 6-3). -
IC baseball
from the Elmhurst Doings
An impressive performance by Matt McMahon helped Immaculate Conception beat Aurora Christian 6-4 Monday.
McMahon (3-1) was the winning pitcher, allowing three runs on six hits, while striking out 11 in the complete-game effort. He also helped himself at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and stolen base.
IC (13-7) also received a big offensive game from Jose Godinez (2-for-3, double, 2 RBIs).
The Knights lost nonconference games to Fenwick 9-3 Saturday and Holy Trinity 10-9 in eight innings Friday, but beat St. Edward 8-3 April 13.
Dan Ribando was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and Carlos Rodriguez went 2-for-5 with two runs and a stolen base against St. Edward. Matt Vesey (1-0) pitched six innings, allowing three runs on five hits, to earn the victory.
IC also beat St. Edward 10-6 April 12. McMahon was the winning pitcher (6 innings, 3 earned runs) and was also 3-for-4 with two runs and a stolen base offensively.
Kevin Nutley (2-for-4, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, 2 stolen bases), Rodriguez (1-for-4, 2 RBIs, 2 runs) and Steven Maloney (2-for-4) also had big days at the plate. -
Immaculate Conception baseball team continues winning ways
from the Elmhurst Independent
Knights take two games from St. Edward
The Immaculate Conception baseball team recorded a pair of Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division wins against St. Edward recently.
In a 10-6 victory over St. Edward, the Knights scored four runs in the first inning and added six more in the fourth. IC had 11 hits. IC trailed 5-4 at one point.
Matt McMahon was the winning pitcher. He moved to 3-1 after pitching six innings and allowing six hits. He fanned five. Matt Vesey pitched an inning and had a strikeout.
McMahon went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base. Kevin Nutley was 2-for-4 with two RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases. Carlos Rodriguez went 1-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. Steve Maloney went 2-for-4.
The Knights then downed St. Edward by an 8-3 count.
IC scored two runs in the fourth, two more in the fifth and then plated four more runs in the sixth. The Knights had nine hits.
Vesey picked up the win. He pitched six innings and scattered five hits. Matt Pokorny pitched the final inning.
Dan Ribando went 3-for-4 with three RBI. Rodriguez went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and a stolen base. IC improved to 12-4 overall and 4-1 in conference play.
In earlier action, IC’s 5-0 win over Wheaton Academy featured Jose Godinez pitching a no-hitter (11 strikeouts).
McMahon went 2-for-3 with a double. Godinez helped his own cause by going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Maloney was 2-for-3 with a home run (his second). IC scored four runs in the fourth inning.
The Knights also swept a non-conference doubleheader from Westmont.
IC won the opener, 15-5 in five innings.
Nutley was the winning pitcher. He moved to 2-1 after allowing two hits over four innings. He also had six strikeouts.
Godinez went 4-for-4 with two doubles, a homer and three RBI. He also scored four runs. Nutley and Rodriguez each had two hits, including a double.
IC edged Westmont, 11-9, in the finale. The Knights came back from a 7-1 deficit in the contest by scoring three runs in each of the next three innings to take the lead.
McMahon, Nutley, Godinez, Rodriguez and Pokorny each had two hits. Godinez had three RBI, while Nutley had two RBI. Rodriguez had a pair of doubles, while Pokorny and Ribando each had one double.
Nick Perrone pitched four innings in relief of Luke Stanczyk. Perrone gave up three hits and fanned five to move to 2-0 with one save at the time. -
Godinez tosses no-hitter for streaking Knights
from the Elmhurst Doings
by Ken Ryan - April 13, 2010
BASEBALL-- Immaculate Conception coach Dan Holleman has been around baseball a long time.
He still managed to witness something he never has before Friday.
Junior Jose Godinez pitched a no-hitter to lead the Knights to a 5-0 win over Wheaton Academy in a Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division game in Elmhurst.
"It was really exciting," Holleman said. "It's the first one I've ever seen in person. It's always something special and exciting to see. It couldn't happen to a better kid than Jose."
Godinez (1-1) struck out 11 and walked three in his gem.
While Godinez is one of the top catchers in the area, his performance on the mound did not surprise his coach.
"He's an excellent pitcher," Holleman said. "He's been our No. 2 or No. 3 guy the last two years. He throws pretty hard and throws strikes. He does an excellent job of mixing up his pitches and was definitely on top of his game."
Godinez also went 2-for-3 with an RBI to contribute offensively.
The defensive play of the game came in the sixth when IC center fielder Kevin Nutley raced back to the make the catch while leaning over the fence.
"Kevin covers a lot of ground," Holleman said. "I thought it had a chance to go out when it was hit, but Kevin got back there and made an amazing catch. There's always one big defensive play (in a no-hitter) and that was it."
IC (11-4), which improved to 3-1 in the SCC by beating St. Edward 10-6 Monday, was led offensively Friday by Steven Maloney (2-for-3, home run, double, 2 RBIs), Nutley (2 RBIs, 2 runs) and Matt McMahon (2-for-3, double).
IC also swept a doubleheader from Westmont Saturday, winning 15-5 in five innings and 11-9.
Nutley (2-1) was the winning pitcher in the first game, allowing one earned run on two hits, while striking out six in four innings. Godinez was 4-for-4 with a home run, two doubles, three RBIs and four runs, while Nutley and Carlos Rodriguez each had a pair of hits, including a double.
IC trailed 7-1 going into the bottom of the third inning in the second game, but scored three runs in each of the next three innings to jump ahead for good.
Matt McMahon, Nutley, Godinez, Rodriguez and Matt Pokorny each had two hits, with Godinez having three RBIs and Nutley two RBIs. Rodriguez had a pair of doubles and McMahon, Nutley, Pokorny and Dan Ribando also had a double each.
Nick Perrone (2-0) pitched four innings in relief, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out five, to get the win. -
Immaculate Conception’s Godinez tosses no-hitter
from the Elmhurst Independent
Junior helps team defeat Wheaton Academy
For Immaculate Conception junior pitcher-catcher Jose Godinez, it took a day to sink in.
Godinez recently threw a no-hitter in IC’s 5-0 Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division victory against Wheaton Academy.
Godinez struck out 11 and walked three.
“I didn’t feel it until Saturday (the day after),” said Godinez. “I was hanging out with a couple of buddies from baseball and realized how important it is in baseball. It really hit me then.”
Godinez said he knew something felt different while he was preparing for his start.
“I was warming up and my arm was feeling a lot better,” said Godinez. “I had eight days of rest. I felt really good. Once I started in the first inning, I knew something good was going to happen.”
Godinez felt both his curveball and fastball were effective against Wheaton Academy.
“My curveball was working and I was locating my fastball,” said Godinez. “My curveball was going for strikes and I was getting my fastball on the corners.”
Godinez was not aware of his no-hitter bid until late in the game.
“I didn’t know about it until the top of the sixth inning,” said Godinez. “A couple of teammates were messing around. I looked up and looked at the zero on the scoreboard (at Wheaton Academy) for hits and was in shock. I didn’t think it was right. It said zero. They were messing around and laughing about it. I didn’t know what they were talking about.”
Godinez praised the work of outfielder Kevin Nutley in particular on defense.
“Kevin saved a home run,” said Godinez. “It was going over the fence and he leaned over and caught it. It was in the bottom of the fifth. He got it.”
Godinez was well aware of what was going on in the seventh inning.
“I found out and guys were messing around and told me to go sit in the corner and not say anything,” said Godinez. “I was a little nervous when I got on the field in the seventh. I just started throwing.”
Godinez recorded a strikeout for the first out in the seventh. He walked the second batter. The third batter reached on an error. The fourth batter grounded into a fielder’s choice (shortstop Matt McMahon threw to second baseman Nick Perrone for the force out).
Godinez ended the game with a strikeout.
“I will remember this for a long time,” said Godinez. “I hung the ball up on a frame that I have with a ball holder in my room.”
The win moved Godinez to 1-1 on the mound at the time.
During the week of the no-hitter, Godinez went 9-for-14 at the plate, which included two doubles, a homer, and eight RBI. He scored six runs during the week and walked twice. -
IC's Godinez throws no-hitter
from the Daily Herald
Immaculate Conception pitcher Jose Godinez threw a no-hitter to lead the Knights to a 5-0 Suburban Christian Conference victory over Wheaton Academy.
Godinez (1-1) struck out 11 batters and walked three, recording 72 strikes and 41 balls in 113 pitches. At the plate Godinez had 2 hits and drove in a run. Steve Maloney went 2-for-3 with a home run and a double for Immaculate Conception (8-4, 2-1).
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Immaculate Conception baseball team edges Wheaton Academy
from the Elmhurst Independent
Rodriguez has game-winning hit
The Immaculate Conception baseball team’s recent win over Wheaton Academy in Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division action fell into the thrilling category.
Carlos Rodriguez’s RBI single in the seventh inning scored Kevin Nutley to give the Knights a 4-3 victory. The win evened IC’s record in conference play to 1-1. The Knights had won seven of their first 11 contests through late last week.
Nick Perrone got the win in relief. He pitched one inning. Matt McMahon went the first six innings and allowed two hits, no earned runs and struck out eight.
IC went up 2-1 in the second when Luke Stanczyk reached on a two-out single. McMahon followed with a single and Nutley followed with another single that scored Stanczyk. McMahon then scored on the fourth-straight hit in the inning by Jose Godinez.
IC scored again in the fourth inning when McMahon reached on a single and took second on a passed ball and later scored on Nutley’ single to right.
Nutley was 3-for-4 with two RBI. Godinez was 2-for-3 with an RBI, while McMahon went 2-for-4.
“Our defense and pitching were good,” said IC coach Dan Holleman. “We hit the ball, too. We had nine or 10 hits, but we left a lot of guys on base. I would have liked to get more guys in.”
McMahon’s eight strikeouts on the mound continued the pitching staff’s trend of lofty strikeout numbers.
“We’re getting a lot of strikeouts and that’s helping out the defense,” said Holleman. “It takes some pressure off the defense.”
Godinez was hitting .429 through late last week for the Knights, while Nutley was in the .400 neighborhood.
“Nutley hits second and Godinez is third,” noted Holleman. “It’s nice to get the top of the order on base.”
In earlier play, IC suffered a 7-4 non-conference loss to Elgin Westminster Christian.
Dan Ribando went 2-for-4 with two RBI for the Knights. Robert Rivera went 2-for-3 with a double.
Nutley was the losing pitcher, but did strike out six in five innings of work.
Westminster led 7-1 after two innings. IC scored two runs in the third and one in the fifth. -
IC Baseball
from the Elmhurst Doings - April 6, 2010
Immaculate Conception ended a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over Wheaton Academy Monday in Elmhurst.
Kevin Nutley (3-for-4, 2 RBIs) led off the bottom of the seventh inning with a double, and following an intentional walk to Jose Godinez, scored when Carlos Rodriguez lined a first-pitch single to center field for the winning run.
Wheaton Academy tied the game at 3-3 with two unearned runs in the sixth, but Nick Perrone pitched a scoreless seventh inning to earn the victory.
Starting pitcher Matt McMahon allowed just two hits and no earned runs in six innings, while striking out eight.
IC (7-4, 1-1 in Suburban Christian Conference) also got strong offensive efforts from McMahon (2-for-4) and Godinez (2-for-3, RBI).
IC lost to Westminster Christian 7-4 Saturday, despite the efforts of Robert Rivera (2-for-3, double) and Dan Ribando (2-for-4, 2 RBIs).
The Knights lost their SCC opener to Walther Lutheran 7-6 March 31. Nutley (3-for-3, 3 RBIs) and McMahon (1-for-3, 2 RBIs, 2 runs) led the offense.
IC also dropped a 6-4 non-conference decision to St. Joseph March 30. Rodriguez (3 RBIs) gave the Knights a 4-1 lead with a double in the fifth, but the Chargers scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth and two in the sixth to pull out the win.
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Immaculate Conception baseball team off to solid start
from the Elmhurst Independent
Knights took six of first nine outings
The news has been good, mostly, for the Immaculate Conception baseball team through the first nine games of the season.
IC started out the 2010 season with six wins in its first nine tries against a variety of different competition from throughout the state.
In a recent 8-2 non-conference win over Elmwood Park, Luke Stanczyk was the winning pitcher. He went four innings and allowed just one earned run.
Austin Hennessy went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles. Dan Ribando went 2-for-3, while Tommy Hart was 1-for-3 with two RBI.
The Knights also played a tournament in Downstate Jacksonville.
In a 6-5 loss to Morris, Kevin Nutley went six innings striking out six. Matt McMahon was 2-for-5 with a double. Jose Godinez went 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Hennessy was also 2-for-4.
IC then scored a 6-5 victory over Galesburg at Jacksonville.
McMahon started the game and went five innings and recorded 11 strikeouts. Sophomore Jackson Faut picked up the win in relief. He went two innings and allowed only one hit.
McMahon went 3-for-4 with two RBI, while Nutley was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
IC won the game when Joe Dangelis scored on a bases-loaded passed ball in the bottom of the seventh. The Knights were down 5-1 and scored four runs in the sixth to tie the game.
IC also recorded a 15-5 non-conference win over Northridge Prep in five innings.
Stanczyk was the winning pitcher. He went four innings and allowed only two earned runs.
Godinez was 2-for-3 with three RBI, while Hennessy was 2-for-4 with three RBI. Conor Hendricks went 2-for-3 with two RBI.
In a 6-4 non-conference loss to St. Joe’s, Godinez took the loss. He fanned 11 in 5 2/3 innings. Carlos Rodriguez went 1-for-4 with a double and three RBI. IC had only five hits in the game.
IC then opened Suburban Christian Conference play with a crossover 7-6 loss to Walther Lutheran.
McMahon suffered the loss. He pitched four innings. Nutley went 3-for-3 with three RBI. McMahon was 1-for-3 with two RBI.
IC trailed 7-1 in the game and scored five runs in the sixth inning.
“We came up just short,” said IC coach Dan Holleman.
The loss left IC at 6-3 overall and 0-1 in the league. Crossover games in the SCC count in the final conference standings. Walther Lutheran is the newest SCC team, having begun competition in the conference starting with the 2010 spring season.
Holleman was pleased with how the team started, but knows there are improvements that can still be made.
“We’re doing pretty good so far, but we still have stuff we need to work on,” said Holleman. “We’re getting guys on base. It’s a matter of getting them in. We’re striking out a lot. We need to do a better job of putting the bat on the ball. But I’m happy with our pitching and our defense at this point.”
Conversely, IC pitchers are recording plenty of strikeouts themselves.
“That’s a good and bad thing,” said Holleman. “It causes you to throw more pitches, but it does make it a lot easier on the defense when you have someone striking out hitters like that. Our starters have done a pretty good job keeping runners off base and we haven’t walked too many guys to this point. When our offense catches up and we start putting the ball in play more, we’re going to be in a better position.”
IC faced a variety of different competition in those first nine games.
“We’ve had some good competition to this point,” said Holleman. “All of the games have been close for the most part. We’ve had several late-inning comebacks. It’s just a matter of us putting a full game together and finishing them. It’s good preparation for us.”
IC was scheduled to face Wheaton Academy in a two-game series earlier this week. -
Westminster handles IC
from the Daily Herald - April 3, 2010
Westminster Christian 7, Immaculate Conception 4: The Warriors (5-2) would score all the runs they would need in the first innings to secure a non-conference victory over visiting Immaculate Conception. Joe McGannon paced the Warriors offensively, knocking in 3 runs and also recording his fourth home run this year. Andrew Mason turned in a 2-for-3 performance from the plate while hitting a double and adding an RBI. Kevin Elder pitched a complete-game, scattering 9 hits while striking out 12 to earn the victory.
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IC Baseball
from the Elmhurst Doings - March 30, 2010
Jose Godinez's big day at the plate helped Immaculate Conception continue its promising start to the season.
Godinez went 3-for-4 with a double, triple and three RBIs to help IC (6-1) beat Northridge Prep 15-5 in five innings Monday in Elmhurst.
Luke Stanczyk (2-0) was the winning pitcher and received additional offensive support from Austin Hennessy (2 hits, including double, 3 RBIs), Dan Ribando (double), Kevin Nutley (double) and Conor Hendricks (double).
The Knights finished 1-1 at the Jacksonville Jamboree Tournament Saturday, beating Galesburg 6-5 and losing to Morris 6-5. Sunday's games in the tournament were canceled due to poor weather conditions.
Joe DeAngelis scored the game-winning run against Galesburg on a wild pitch. Matt McMahon tied the game at 4-4 in sixth inning with a two-RBI single. Sophomore pitcher Jackson Faut, who was promoted to varsity for the tournament, allowed one hit and one walk in 2 innings, to earn the victory in relief of McMahon.
McMahon (double), Godinez (double) and Hennessy each had two hits against Morris, which scored four runs in the seventh inning to pull out the win.
IC beat Elmwood Park 8-2 March 24. Stanczyk was the winning pitcher (4 innings, 1 earned run, 6 hits, 2 strikeouts, 3 walks), while Tommy Hart (1-for-3, 2 RBIs, run), Hennessy (2-for-4, 2 doubles, RBI, 2 runs) and Ribando (2 hits, walk) sparked the offense. Nick Perrone pitched three perfect innings to collect the save.
The Knights also beat Timothy Christian 11-1 in six innings March 23, led by Godinez (3-for-3, RBI), Carlos Rodriguez (triple, 2 RBIs), Ribando (double, 2 RBIs) and Hennessy (2 RBIs).
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Scouting DuPage County baseball teams
from the Daily Herald
Immaculate Conception
Coach: Dan Holleman.
Last year: 15-18, 4-10, tied for sixth in Suburban Catholic Conference; lost 5-2 to Aurora Christian in the Class 2A Lisle regional final.
Top players: Matt McMahon, sr., P-2B-3B; Jose Godinez, jr., C-P; Kevin Nutley, sr., P-OF; Carlos Rodriguez, sr., OF; Steve Maloney, sr., SS; Austin Hennessy, sr., 1B-P; Conor Hendricks, jr., 2B-OF; Luke Stanczyk, sr., 3B-2B; Dan Ribando, so., OF; Nick Perrone, sr., IF-P; Robert Rivera, jr., 1B.
Scouting report: Twelve seniors and seven returning starters are back as the Knights compete for the title in the Suburban Christian Gold Division. McMahon and Nutley form one of the league's best pitching tandems, and they return 8 wins and sub-3.50 ERAs. Godinez and Hennessy, a Driscoll transfer, add to a very talented staff. A speedy lineup starts with McMahon, who hit .350, at the top and continues with Maloney, Rodriguez and Hendricks. Godinez, who batted a team-high .367, and Rodriguez, who drove in 17 runs, power the heart of the order. "With our experience I definitely like our chances in the division," Holleman said.
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Immaculate Conception baseball team wins first two games
from the Elmhurst Independent
Stanczyk records game-winning hit against Lisle
The Immaculate Conception baseball team pulled out some late-inning heroics recently.
Luke Stanczyk’s RBI double in the seventh inning helped IC notch a 5-4 non-conference victory over Lisle.
Kevin Nutley pitched three innings in relief to notch the win. Jose Godinez started the game. Matt McMahon picked up the save.
In earlier action, IC opened the season with a 12-1 non-conference road win at Manteno.
IC pounded out a dozen hits in the game. Steve Maloney belted a two-run homer for the winners. Carlos Rodriguez added a solo homer. Godinez had two doubles and drove in three runs. McMahon was the winning pitcher.
“We’re definitely hitting the ball for this early in the season,” said IC coach Dan Holleman. “That was pretty much the first live pitching we saw. I was happy with the results. Our pitching has been strong so far as it was expected to be.”
IC’s starters include seniors Stanczyk (3B), Nutley (CF), McMahon (P-IF), Maloney (SS), Rodriguez (RF) and Austin Hennessy (1B), juniors Godinez (C) and Conor Hendricks (2B) and sophomore Dan Ribando (LF). Senior Nick Perrone (IF) and junior Robert Rivera (1B) will also contribute.
IC’s pitching staff features McMahon, Godinez, Nutley and Hennessy.
“Our pitching is going to be a strength,” said Holleman. “Any of those guys could be a one or a two on a team. Those four guys of that caliber I think are going to carry us a long way.”
Holleman said the hitting that was displayed in the first game is part of an offense that has improved over a year ago.
“Our hitting is going to be a lot stronger than in years past,” said Holleman.
Holleman also likes the make-up of the team.
“We’ve got a good overall cohesiveness with this group,” said Holleman. “We’ve got 12 seniors on the team. They have all kind of come together with their attitude, and their heads are in the right place. They know the challenges ahead and I think they are ready to step up to them. We’ve got experience. Most of these guys were on the team two years ago that won the sectional. That experience will carry us a long way. We’ve got seven starters back.”
Holleman feels his team can be in contention for the Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division title.
“We’ve got a good shot at the conference with the two divisions now,” said Holleman.
IC is in a division with Aurora Christian, Aurora Central Catholic, St. Edward, Guerin Prep and Chicago Christian. Each team plays two games against division opponents and one against teams from the opposite division- with all SCC games counting toward the division standings. -
Roundup: Knights rally to start season with pair of wins
from the Elmhurst Doings - March 23, 2010
IC BASEBALL-- Senior Luke Stanczyk doubled home the winning run in the top of the seventh inning to help Immaculate Conception rally for a 5-4 win over host Lisle Monday.
The Knights (2-0) trailed 4-3, but scored a run in the sixth to even the score at 4-4 and set the stage for Stanczyk's heroics.
In the sixth, Kevin Nutley singled with one out, stole second and eventually scored on a fly ball by Jose Godinez that dropped for an error.
IC then won the game when Conor Hendricks reached first on an error in the seventh, advanced to second on a single by Austin Hennessy and scored on the double by Stanczyk.
Nutley was the winning pitcher in relief of Godinez, while Matt McMahon pitched a scoreless seventh inning to get the win.
Hennessy was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Godinez added a pair of RBIs.
"I like the way we fought back and got the victory," IC coach Dan Holleman said.
IC opened the season by beating Manteno 12-1 in five innings Friday.
McMahon was the winning pitcher and also had a big day at the plate. McMahon (1-0) allowed one run on three hits, while striking out six and walking one in four innings. He also went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs.
Nutley pitched a scoreless fifth inning with three strikeouts and also went 2-for-3 with an RBI and run in the win.
IC's offense also received key contributions from Godinez (3-for-4, 2 doubles, two runs, RBI), Hennessy (2-for-2, 2 RBIs, run), Carlos Rodriguez (home run, 2 runs), Steve Maloney (home run, 2 RBIs, 2 runs) and Hendricks (triple, run). -
Knights take down Manteno
from the Chicago Sun-Times
Immaculate Conception 12, Manteno 1: Jose Godinez was 3-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored to pace the Knights. Steve Maloney and Carlos Rodriguez each homered for Immaculate Conception.
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IC baseball preview: Knights looking forward to promising season
from the Elmhurst Doings
•COACH: Dan Holleman (38-55, 4th season)
•2009 RESULTS: 15-18 overall, 4-10 in Suburban Catholic Conference (7th); lost to Aurora Christian 5-2 in Class 2A Lisle Regional final
•OUTLOOK: IC has six returning starters plus the addition of some talented Driscoll transfers, which has Holleman hoping his team can make a deep postseason run, similar to the 2008 team that won the program's first sectional championship.
"We have a large number of seniors (12) on the team, something we normally don't have," Holleman said. "I'm excited to see how that will pay off in the end. We want to win conference, improve our overall record and make a deep run in the playoffs."
Senior Matt McMahon was named the team's Most Valuable Player last season. He had a 5-5 record and 3.48 earned-run average on the mound, striking out 44 and walking 34 in 52 1/3 innings. He was also second on the team with a .350 batting average and led the team with 11 stolen bases, 16 walks and 23 runs scored as the lead-off hitter.
He will anchor a pitching staff that also includes returning hurlers Kevin Nutley, Jose Godinez, Luke Stanczyk, Nick Perrone and Steve Maloney.
"Our pitching will be strong," Holleman said. "McMahon leads the group and will be in his fourth year of pitching on varsity. We expect a lot out of him. He'll help some of the new guys and teach them about playing at the varsity level and what that entails."
McMahon was an all-conference selection last season along with Jose Godinez, who accomplished the feat as a sophomore.
Godinez hit a team-best .367 last year, while also contributing 12 RBIs, but his real value is behind the plate.
"Jose Godinez is probably one of the most underrated catchers and baseball players," Holleman said. "You don't hear too much about him, but he has a lot of skills and talent. He's an excellent catcher with a quick release time. He calls all the games himself and does a wonderful job of that. He's a tremendous asset to the team. As an upper classman he should have an even better season this year."
McMahon will lead off again, while Godinez and Carlos Rodriguez will occupy the No. 3 and No. 4 spots in the lineup, respectively.
Rodriguez is coming off a leg injury that forced him to miss almost his entire football season. He hit .337 with 26 runs and 17 RBIs as a junior.
"He seems to be doing fine and he's moving around all right," Holleman said. "Hopefully, he's ready to go full speed."
Austin Hennessy, Conor Hendricks and sophomore Dan Ribando are among the newcomers Holleman expects to have an impact for the Knights.
Hendricks and Hennessy are both Driscoll transfers who played basketball and football for the Knights.
Hendricks brings versatility and will play a number of positions, while Hennessy is recovering from a shoulder injury suffered during the basketball season, but figures to be in the IC starting pitching rotation when healthy.
IC will compete in the Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division this season after previously playing in the Suburban Catholic Conference.
•QUOTABLE: "Defensively we are very strong," Holleman said. "Our infielders have a lot of experience and our outfielders have a lot of speed and cover a lot of ground, so that will help out our pitchers. Most of the time, for us, it comes down to hitting. I think our lineup should be pretty solid from top to bottom."
-- by Ken Ryan
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Knights season ends at Regional final
from Trib Local
By: Luke Stanczyk, IC student
In an intense and hard-fought game, the Immaculate Conception Knights (15-18, 4-10) lost in the Regional Finals vs. a very tough Aurora Christian team on Saturday. The final score was 5-2, and it was the third time the AC Eagles defeated the Knights this season in as many tries.
Junior Carlos Rodriguez drove in both runs and went 2-3. Senior Dan Muisenga, and Juniors Kevin Nutley and Steve Maloney each had a hit a piece. Maloney and Muisenga scored the team’s two runs. Junior Matt McMahon pitched the entire game, and pitched really well. He matched AC’s Steve Clancy pitch-for-pitch, as it was tied 2-2 going into the bottom of the fifth. AC’s David Zielke hit a 3-run homer in the 5th to put the Eagles ahead for good. McMahon still pitched a great game, and it didn’t help that the Knights were unable to get a hit after the 3rd inning, as it seemed almost every hard hit ball in the game was hit right at one of the Eagles’ fielders.
On Thursday in the Regional Semifinal, the Knights defeated the Lisle Lions for the third time this year, this time by a score of 10-3. Nutley, Muisenga, and Sophomore Jose Godinez each had multi-hit games, but the biggest hit of the game came off the bat of Senior Matt Purdom. After the Knights’ first three hitters reached base to load the bases in the first inning, two Knights struck out, and Purdom found himself in a huge at-bat early in the game. After falling behind in the count, Purdom blasted a bases clearing double over the centerfielder’s head. It was smooth sailing for the Knights from that point on, as Muisenga threw six innings of four-hit ball, and Nutley closed it out.
All in all, the 2009 campaign for the Knights was a rollercoaster ride. The team was hot and cold, as it would play good for a stretch and then bad for a few games. However, the team hit its stride at the right time, as it was playing great baseball going into the postseason. Because of that, the Knights were very close to knocking off a very tough and top-seeded Aurora Christian team and to winning a second consecutive regional title. The team also had experiences in playing in stadiums like Elfstrom Stadium (Kane County Cougars) and in Benedictine’s Complex for the Regional.
The team will miss their seniors next season, as Muisenga was one of the team’s aces and key contributors at the plate, and Purdom had many key clutch hits this season, leading the team in RBIs with 21. Dan Delaney, Paul Hornstra, Alan Lowrey, Steve Gilbert, and Mike Slaga also made some key contributions this season. However, the Knights will be a strong team next season, with out a doubt. The team had six underclassmen have batting averages over .300 (Godinez .367, Rodriguez .341, freshman call-up James Peachey .333 in nine games, McMahon .330, Maloney .321, Junior Luke Stanczyk .306), and will have the core of their pitching staff in tact, as McMahon, Nutley, and Godinez, three of the four starters this season in the rotation, will all return. Also, the team may pick up some talented transfers from Driscoll High. Next year should be exciting, as the Knights expect to make an even deeper run into the postseason. -
IC Knights #2 seed in Lisle Regional of the IHSA Class 2A Tournament
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Knights get a chance to play in Minor League Stadium
from Trib Local -
IC roundup: Muisenga throws shutout in SCC win
from The Doings Elmhurst -
Immaculate Conception blanks Aurora Central
from the Chicago Sun-Times -
Immaculate Conception baseball team defeats Westmont, Marian Central
from the Elmhurst Independent - written by Mike MiazgaRodriguez homers in triumph over Westmont
The Immaculate Conception baseball team racked up a pair of recent wins against Westmont and Marian Central.
In a 9-5 non-conference win against Westmont, IC jumped out to a 4-0 lead after three innings and added five runs over the last four innings.
In the second inning, IC's Jose Godinez doubled and scored when Kevin Nutley reached on an error. Matt Purdom then doubled and Nutley scored on Steve Gilbert's groundout.
Matt McMahon led off the IC third with a single. Danny Muisenga reached on an error that allowed McMahon to score. Muisenga then scored on a Godinez single.
In the fourth, Gilbert reached on a fielder's choice and scored on McMahon's two-out RBI single.
Muisenga led off the fifth with a single that was followed by Carlos Rodriguez's two-run homer.
Godinez singled in the seventh inning. Purdom followed with a single and Gilbert then added an RBI single. Purdom scored when McMahon reached on an error.
Purdom was 4-for-4 in the game. Godinez was 3-for-4 with two runs scored, while McMahon was 3-for-5. Gilbert was 2-for-4. McMahon had three stolen bases.
Godinez was the winning pitcher. He moved to 2-0 after throwing six innings and allowing only two earned runs, while striking out eight.
In earlier action, the Knights split a pair of Suburban Catholic Conference games with Woodstock Marian Central.
In a 4-3 victory over Marian Central, IC won the game thanks to a thrilling seventh inning rally that started after two outs.
With two outs in the seventh, Steve Maloney singled and Luke Stanczyk walked. Mike Slaga came in to pinch-run for Stanczyk. McMahon then ripped a ball to the right-center gap that was dropped by the right fielder, which allowed both runners to score, giving IC the conference victory.
The Knights had only five hits in the game. Maloney was 2-for-2 with two runs scored. Muisenga (triple), McMahon and Godinez each had one hit.
Maloney led off the third inning with a walk. McMahon then singled. Muisenga then cracked a two-out, two-run triple to pull the Knights to within 3-2.
McMahon was the winning pitcher. He threw a complete game, scattering seven hits, while striking out three and issuing no walks.
Earlier, the Knights dropped a 10-5 game to Marian Central in Woodstock. The game was tied 3-3 after two innings, but Marian opened up a 7-3 lead after the fourth inning.
IC was limited to five hits in the game. Godinez was 2-for-3. Muisenga had a double. Purdom and Maloney each had a hit. McMahon scored two runs.
Muisenga was the losing pitcher. His record dropped to 2-2. Muisenga fanned five in the game.
McMahon walked to lead off the IC first inning and scored on a Muisenga double. In the second, Nutley and McMahon both walked and scored on an error and a wild pitch.
In the IC sixth, Godinez led off with a walk and scored on McMahon's bases-loaded walk. Rodriguez walked in the seventh inning and later scored on a passed ball.
IC was 6-5 overall after the Westmont game and 1-1 in SCC play after the Marian split. -
Knights bounce back after rough stretch, win three straight
from Trib Local -
Carmel tops IC
from the Chicago Sun-Times -
IC Baseball starts 4-0
from Trib Local -
Elmhurst Sports Report: IC baseball team wins two more games
from the Elmhurst Independent - written by Mike Miazga - Friday, 03 April 2009
Elmhurst Sports Report - Immaculate Conception baseball team wins two more games
The Immaculate Conception baseball team ran its record to 3-0 to start the 2009 season after notching recent non-conference victories over Elmwood Park and Guerin Prep.
In an 8-3 victory at Elmwood Park, the Knights jumped out to a 5-0 lead after the first inning and never looked back.
In that five-run first inning, Matt McMahon walked and scored on Paul Hornstra's triple. Hornstra then scored on a passed ball. Danny Muisenga followed with a single and stole second. Carlos Rodriguez then walked. A Jose Godinez single loaded the bases. Kevin Nutley reached on an error in the inning. Matt Purdom grounded into a double play and Mike Slaga notched an RBI single to round out the scoring.
In the IC fifth, Godinez recorded an RBI single that scored Hornstra who had walked earlier in the inning. Muisnega and Rodriguez scored the team's final two runs on a passed ball and an error respectively.
McMahon was the winning pitcher. He went four innings and allowed three hits, while fanning three.
McMahon was also 2-for-2 with a double and a run scored. Hornstra was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a triple and an RBI. Muisenga was 1-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Godinez was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Mike Slaga was 1-for-3 with an RBI.
The Knights also recorded a 9-3 victory over Guerin Prep. IC pounded out 12 hits in the victory.
Nutley went 2-for-3 with a double and 2 RBI. Dan Delaney also had two hits and had an RBI. Hornstra was 1-for-4 with a homer and an RBI. Steve Gilbert went 1-for-3 with an RBI. Luke Stanczyk went 2-for-2 with an RBI, while Alan Lowery was 1-for-1 with an RBI.
Muisenga ran his record to 2-0 after throwing four innings of hitless baseball. He fanned six and walked two.
In the IC half of the third, Muisenga walked and scored on a Gilbert fielder's choice. Gilbert then stole second and scored on a Nutley single. Nutley later scored on a Delaney single.
In the fifth, Gilbert led off with a single and scored on Nutley's RBI double. Nutley then scored on a Slaga triple.
Hornstra led off the sixth with a homer. Muisegna and Nutley scored the team's final two runs via RBI hits from Stanczyk and Lowrey. -
I.C. downs Elmwood Park
from the Chicago Sun-Times -
Immaculate Conception 9 Guerin Prep 3
from Prep Baseball Report -
I.C. tops Guerin
from the Chicago Sun-Times -
IC baseball opens season with victory over Walther Lutheran
from the Elmhurst Independent - written by Rudy Espinosa - Friday, 27 March 2009
Muisenga, McMahon throw combined shutout; Hornstra has 3 RBI day
The Immaculate Conception baseball team took advantage of last week's warm weather to record a 5-0 non-conference victory over Walther Lutheran in a rare mid-March game.
IC pitchers Danny Muisenga and Matt McMahon combined to throw the shutout for the Knights.
Muisenga (1-0) was the winning pitcher. He went four innings and allowed only one hit, while striking out five and walking two.
McMahon pitched the final three innings, allowing just one hit while fanning seven batters.
"It was a very good start for us pitching-wise," said IC coach Dan Holleman, whose team is coming off a Class 1A supersectional appearance a year ago. "Those guys were throwing strikes. They looked like they were in mid-season form."
IC got on the scoreboard in the third inning when Dan Delaney led off with a single and later scored on Paul Hornstra's single.
Kevin Nutley led off the IC fourth by reaching on an error. He later scored on a one-out single by Delaney to make the score 2-0. Mike Slaga later reached on a fielder's choice, which was followed by a McMahon single. Hornstra then belted a two-out, two-run double to put the Knights up 4-0.
IC closed out the scoring in the fifth when Carlos Rodriguez was hit by a pitch and later scored on a Nutley single.
"They only made one error in the game and we had some timely hitting," said Holleman. "Our hitting at this point, we still need to work on. But we were able to get the hits when we needed to and were able to push across runs."
McMahon finished the game 3-for-3 with a run, a double and a walk. Hornstra went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI. Delaney was 2-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI. Nutley and Slaga each had one hit. IC had eight hits in the game.
Walther Lutheran stranded a total of seven runners in the contest. IC left eight men on base. -
IC baseball preview: Last year's success fuels IC's high expectations
from The Doings Elmhurst - March 19,2009 -
Two Illinois teams to play in the Metrodome
from Prep Baseball Report - January 11, 2009 -
Immaculate Conception High School
official website of Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst.
