Whether it’s playing center field or pitching, Marist junior Teagan Walsh gives it her all.
The No. 3 RedHawks put Walsh in the pitcher’s circle Tuesday against Lincoln-Way Central, and it proved to be a good decision by coach Denise Fasano.
Walsh allowed two hits, struck out five and retired the last 15 batters during a 5-0 victory in New Lenox.
Walsh also was 1-for-3 with three RBIs, including a two-run single that capped a four-run fourth.
“It feels good to come out here and get a win,” said Walsh (3-1). “Whether Stephanie (Gierman) is pitching or me, I am just glad to be in the game.”
Gierman (8-1) has been getting most of the innings this season, but it appears that the RedHawks (11-2) have a good problem on their hands.
Lincoln-Way Central allowed a first-inning run on a bunt by Walsh that scored Megan Gustafson from third.
Knights first baseman Kylie Bennett fielded the bunt and appeared to have a shot at Gustafson at the plate, but opted for the unassisted putout at first.
No. 2 pitcher Nicole Walshon (1-2) started for the Knights (6-3) and was relieved by No. 1 Stephanie Popovich in the fourth.
“Actually, I have never beaten Lincoln-Way Central in the eight years I’ve been here,” Fasano said. “Teagan was great; she really hit her spots and did it on offense too. We were looking forward to her having an outing in today in which she hit her spots, and that is what she did. So we are looking to obviously get her more innings.”
Player of the game:
Teagan Walsh, Marist, 7 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 5 SO; 1-for-3, 3 RBIs.
Key performers:
Marist — Rikki Alcaraz, 2-for-3; Megan Gustafson, 2-for-4. Lincoln-Way Central — Stephanie Popovich, 3 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 6 SO.
