Redemption on Deck as Kenwood & Lane Tech Set Stage for City Title Rematch

The city championship comes down to two squads with unfinished business!

Kenwood Broncos Jimmy Downs (left), Brandon Stinson (middle), Daniel Luster (right)

CHICAGO – Up 3-0 heading into the final frame, Kenwood was three outs away from a city title. Lane Tech had other plans as a late-inning Broncos collapse turned celebration into heartbreak at Wrigley Field as the Champions stormed back with a five spot to steal the 2024 crown.

The script couldn'tt have written itself any better as both teams punched their tickets to the ship with semifinal wins Monday night at Curtis Granderson Stadium on the campus of UIC. A year later, Kenwood gets their shot at redemption..

Game 1

Kenwood 4

Whitney Young 2

Young jumped out to an early 2-0 lead behind an RBI double from Luke Yolich in the top of 1 and a throwing error by Kenwood shortstop Damaurion Butler scored Taki Chronopolous in the top of 2.

That was all she wrote for the Dolphins offense as Broncos starter Jimmy Downs settled in only allowing three hits through the last five frames. 

He also helped his cause at the dish with a 6-3 RBI in the bottom of 3 and an RBI single up the middle in the bottom of 5 to tie the game at 2. Kenwood took a 3-2 lead after an RBI bunt single by Daniel Luster scored Downs then added a piece of insurance on an RBI single from Brandon Stinson.

The Dolphins sabotaged their chance at a rally in the top of 6 as Marcus Garton tried to stretch a leadoff double into a triple. A great relay throw by Broncos second baseman Phillip Thigpen nailed Garton at third base to stop the threat. Downs retired the next five hitters in order to seal the deal. 

Kenwood

Jimmy Downs 7 IP/6 H/2 R(1E)/3 K/BB

1-3/2 RBI/R

Daniel Luster 1-3/RBI/SB

Brandon Stinson 1-2/RBI/SB

Game 2

Lane Tech 4

Simeon 1

Lane Tech took advantage of a couple of Simeon miscues in the bottom of 2. A fielding error by Wolverines third baseman Cavion Danley and a passed ball led to a sac fly RBI from Miles Mazanowski giving Lane a 1-0 lead.

An RBI triple from Alez Zeigler and another passed ball that got by Simeon catcher Antwan Jackson made it a 3-0 lead.

Lane head coach Sean Freeman saw enough from his starter Ronan Owens and pulled him after six strikeouts in 3.1 innings. (likely for availability for the championship)

Henry Murray's RBI knock in the bottom of 5 scored Tyler Trapp and the Wolverines looked to erase a 4-0 deficit. 

The opportunity presented itself in the top of 6 as they loaded the bases with no outs. Shortstop Jaylen Ware was called safe on a fielders choice by Antonio Porterfield to finally get Simeon on the board. 

Lane Tech reliever Dodger Friedrich locked in and got back-to-back strikeouts on Jeremiah Henry and Aiden Pondexter. Danley had the chance to redeem himself after a two error evening but popped out to first base to end the inning. 

Friedrich registered two more strikeouts in the top of 7 ending Simeon's bid for their ninth Public League city championship. 

Simeon starter Christian Lott pitched well only allowing one earned run with seven strikeouts and no walks through seven innings.

Lane Tech

Henry Murray 2-3/RBI

Alex Zeigler 1-3/RBI/R

Miles Maxanowski 0-3/RBI

Tyler Trapp 2-3/R

Kenwood v Lane Tech 7pm @ UIC Thursday 5/22