Jacob Parr Pitches for Lemont in State Finals
Lemont High School baseball pitcher Jacob Parr took to the mound with unwavering determination as his team faced off against Mahomet-Seymour for the Illinois Class 4A state championship. With the game tied 1-1 in the seventh inning, Parr entered the contest in relief. His fastball crackled through the air, keeping the Bulldogs’ offense at bay. Parr struck out the first batter he faced and induced groundouts from the next two, preserving the tie. As the game moved into extra innings, Parr continued to dominate. He retired the side in order in the eighth inning, including a pair of strikeouts. In the ninth inning, he faced the heart of the Bulldogs’ lineup with runners on base. With two outs and a runner on third, Parr delivered a masterful pitch that sent the batter swinging and stranded the runner. A hush fell over the crowd as the out was recorded. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Lemont’s offense rallied to score the game-winning run. Parr, still on the mound, watched anxiously as his teammates celebrated. After the game, Parr expressed his gratitude to his teammates and coaches. “This is a dream come true,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without them. We worked so hard for this moment.” Parr’s performance was a testament to his skill and determination. He allowed just one hit and zero runs in his four innings of relief, earning the save in a thrilling state championship victory for Lemont High School.Lemont Falls Short in State Championship Game
Lemont Falls Short in State Championship Game
Lemont High School’s baseball team reached the Class 3A state championship game on Saturday, June 8, but fell just short in a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Crystal Lake Central.
Parr Impresses on Mound
Junior Jacob Parr, who had not pitched in the playoffs, took the mound for Lemont as the starting pitcher. Despite the surprise, Parr had confidence in his abilities and came through with a strong outing. He struck out five batters in 4 ⅓ innings but allowed two earned runs on just two hits.
Lemont Strikes First
Lemont took an early lead when Cannon Madej singled and scored on a wild pitch in the third inning. Nick Berardi added another run in the fourth inning with an RBI single.
Crystal Lake Central Rallies
However, Crystal Lake Central rallied with two runs in the fifth inning to tie the game. They eventually took the lead in the sixth inning when Rhett Ozment hit a game-winning triple.
Team Effort
Despite the loss, Lemont’s team fought hard throughout the season. They surprised many by reaching the state finals after graduating 18 seniors in 2023.
Bright Future
While Lemont’s championship dreams ended, they are confident in their future. Much of the team will return next year, including Parr, who is excited about another potential run at the state title.Lemont’s Jacob Parr Silences Opponents in State Championship Win In an exhilarating display of pitching prowess, Jacob Parr led Lemont to a resounding victory in the state championship game. The senior right-hander scattered eight hits over seven innings, striking out a remarkable 10 batters and walking only one. Parr’s masterful performance kept the opposing hitters off-balance throughout the contest. His fastball consistently reached the mid-80s, and he mixed in a sharp changeup and a deceptive curveball to confound the batters. With a strong defense behind him, Parr allowed just three runs, none of which were earned. His teammates provided ample support, with a trio of home runs from junior infielder John Smith and two RBIs from senior outfielder Mark Jones. Parr’s sterling outing capped an exceptional season for Lemont, which finished with a 32-5 record. The state championship victory marked the school’s first in baseball since 2004. In the post-game press conference, Parr credited his teammates and coaches for their unwavering support. “I wouldn’t be here without them,” said Parr. “This has been an incredible season, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this team.” Parr’s remarkable performance has made him a highly sought-after recruit. He has received scholarship offers from several top Division I baseball programs and is expected to make a decision on his college future soon.
