After a slew of cancelled games in late April and early May, the ‘Pack picked up right where they left off, taking a five-game win streak and a 34-9 record into the final act of the regular season.

Eager to shake off their first scoreless game since the fifth outing of the season, the then 29-9 WolfPack welcomed strong non-conference opposition in McHenry County College to Robin Roberts Field for a nine inning game.  The 8-0 starter Matt Hamilton made things rather tedious for himself on the mound, letting in an earned run in the first inning before striking out the side with the bases loaded.

Not to be outdone however, the Madison College batsmen answered with three of their own in the bottom of the first inning.  Carl Valk, Nick Gile, and Jarrett Scheelk all singled and scored in the inning after a Nathan Aide double cleared the bases.

At this point, it was obvious that Hamilton had settled into his groove, as he struck out five out of the next six batters he faced.  The ‘Pack were keen to add to their total as well.  Valk and Derek Lee made McHenry pay for letting them on base in the 2nd.  Lee singled and Valk walked then both baserunners made their way home, taking advantage of free passes as often as possible.

After minimal offensive display from both teams for several innings, McHenry College finally got things going again in the seventh inning after a Scot was hit by a pitch and made his way around the bases to score on a single making the score 5-2.

Hamilton would be relieved of pitching duty after the final out of the inning by Brandon Komar, who would allow two more runs in the eighth on a Scot two-run homer over the right field fence.  Komar finished the inning and retired two more batters in the ninth before Elliot Turnquist came in to close the game out, getting a ground ball and sealing the victory for the ‘Pack, 5-4.

Now back to winning ways, Madison College welcomed the Kishwaukee College Kougars to town for a doubleheader.  The WolfPack annihilated their competition, taking the first game 16-3 and the second 11-1.

Starter Taylor Jansen picked up the win in the first game moving him to 4-2 on the year.  Jansen allowed three runs on three hits and six walks over four innings.  Madison College didn’t need to complicate things on the offensive side of the ball, as simply putting the ball in play was enough to bring in runs when paired with the walks and errors the Kougars were committing.  Notable batters included Nick Gile and Jarrett Scheelk each with a double, and Henry Henk who went three for three in the game.  Carl Renz closed the game out in the fifth, allowing no runs on no hits and a walk.

It was starter Andy Neu getting the win in the second matchup, taking his record to 3-1.  Neu allowed one run on one hit over three innings pitched.  The game played out much the same on the offensive side of the ball for the ‘Pack, as the Kougars found it difficult to keep baserunners off the paths.  Notable Madison College batsmen include Lucas Trebian and Luke Malmanger, each with two RBIs, and Marquis Reuter, who blasted a triple to the fence in the fourth.  Jarrett Scheelk came in to pitch in the fourth and fifth innings, respectively, both allowing no runs.

The next doubleheader had the ‘Pack traveling to South Holland, Illinois to play the South Suburban College Bulldogs.  Once again, Madison College blew out their opponents, winning the first 9-1 and the second 9-2.

Starter Troy Hickey took the win in the first game, moving him to 4-1 on the season.  Notable ‘Pack hitters include Nick Gile, Adam LaRock, and Marquis Reuter, all with multiple hit games, and Jarrett Scheelk, who hit a double in the first inning to score two.  Brandon Komar finished out the game, allowing no runs over one and two-thirds innings.

Patrick Foldy took the bump and the win for the second outing, going four innings allowing and no runs on three hits.  This time Madison College bats were on fire.  Notables include Nathan aide and Carson Holin hitting doubles, Nick Gile with a double and a three run homer in the seventh, and Marquis Reuter, homering in the first.  After the fourth inning several WolfPack Pitchers took the mound.  Connor Jasurda, Carl Renz, Jarrett Scheelk, and Jackson Brown all allowed no runs over two innings between them, and Eliot Turnquist finished the game in the seventh, allowing two runs on one hit, one error, and one walk.

The NJCAA Region IV baseball tournament will begin this weekend, with seeded teams to be determined after time of publication.  Head over to madisoncollegeatheltics.com to stay updated.