Mt. Pulaski HS places fourth at IHSA state baseball tournament
MT. PULASKI, Ill. — Despite falling short in back to back games to Farina South Central 11-5 and Newark 6-2 in the IHSA Class 1A State Tournament, the Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers have nothing to hang their heads about.
The Hilltoppers finished the season (21-3) and brought home the baseball program’s first ever state trophy. It may have been a 4th place trophy this year, but with a team full of young talent and the leadership of Coach Joel Washko, there is still much to anticipate for the next few years.
Out of the ten guys on the field, the Toppers featured five sophomores and a freshman. There may have been some mistakes due to inexperience, but all of it becomes a learning experience and sets the stage for a more experienced run next year.
Sophomores Evan Cooper and catcher Jackson Fricke, along with Freshman third baseman Landon Smith are certainly ones to watch going into next season as they gain more experience, poise, and hone in on their skill sets.
The team will be losing four seniors. Senior standout pitcher, Drew Martin who will be going on to play at Heartland Community College next year, 1st Base talent Grant Davis, 2nd Baseman Garrett Fitzpatrick and outfielder Matthew Hagenbuch.
Congratulations Mt Pulaski High School on a historic season! We all look forward to watching another amazing season unfold next year and best of luck to the seniors!
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
