Manteno Offense Erupts for 17 Hits in 13-6 Road Victory Over Crete-Monee

The Manteno varsity baseball team unleashed a relentless offensive assault on Wednesday, racking up 17 hits to power past Crete-Monee for a 13-6 non-conference road victory.

Despite falling into an early 4-0 hole, Crete-Monee showed remarkable resilience in the bottom of the second inning. The home team exploded for five runs to briefly snatch the lead, breathing life into their dugout. Senior AJ Monegan highlighted the early surge, blasting a home run as part of a strong 2-for-4 performance at the plate. Junior Bryce Milburn was also a constant sparkplug for Crete-Monee, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 with a run scored and a game-high three stolen bases.

Manteno, however, remained unfazed and methodically chipped away at the deficit. The visitors reclaimed the advantage in the fourth inning with a decisive three-run surge, capitalizing on consistent contact and taking advantage of defensive miscues.

Seniors Jake Stevens and Braden Campbell anchored the potent Manteno lineup. Stevens delivered an outstanding 4-for-5 performance, driving in two runs, stealing two bases, and scoring three times. Campbell was equally dangerous, tallying three hits and two RBIs. Sophomore Logan Bufford added serious firepower from the top half of the order, collecting three hits—including a triple—and scoring three runs.

On the mound, junior B. Jedlicka weathered Crete-Monee’s early offensive storm to earn the win. Jedlicka tossed five innings, striking out five while allowing six earned runs. Manteno’s bullpen then locked down the game, with seniors Gio Arrigo and Connor Harrod each pitching a scoreless inning of relief to shut the door.

For Crete-Monee, senior Chris Schubbe pitched three innings, striking out three while yielding four unearned runs. The Warriors’ defense struggled behind their pitching staff, committing two errors that extended innings for a Manteno offense that refused to slow down.

Game Summary

Score by Quarters

Scoring Drives

• 1st Inning: Manteno strikes early, pushing across a run in the top half to take a 1-0 lead.

• 2nd Inning: Manteno extends its advantage with three runs. Crete-Monee responds with a massive five-run outburst in the bottom half to take a 5-4 lead.

• 4th Inning: Manteno regains control with a crucial three-run frame. Crete-Monee scratches across one run to keep the game tight at 7-6.

• 5th Inning: Manteno adds an insurance run to extend the lead to 8-6.

• 6th Inning: Manteno’s consistent offense tacks on another run.

• 7th Inning: Manteno puts the game out of reach with a commanding four-run inning.

Individual Statistics

HITTING (Manteno):

• Jake Stevens (Sr): 4-5, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 SB

• Logan Bufford (So): 3-5, 1 3B, 3 R

• Connor Harrod (Sr): 3-5, 1 RBI

• Braden Campbell (Sr): 3-5, 2 R, 2 RBI

• Cade Bechard (So): 2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI

• Tyler Buehler (Sr): 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI

HITTING (Crete-Monee):

• Bryce Milburn (Jr): 3-3, 1 R, 3 SB

• AJ Monegan (Sr): 2-4, 1 HR, 1 R

• Keegan Quaderer (Jr): 2-4

• Chris Schubbe (Sr): 1-3, 1 R, 1 SB

• Garrett Jemilo (Jr): 1-3

PITCHING (Manteno):

• B. Jedlicka (Jr): (W) 5.0 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 5 K

• Gio Arrigo (Sr): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

• Connor Harrod (Sr): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

PITCHING (Crete-Monee):

• Chris Schubbe (Sr): 3.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

• Tyler Burnett (So): (L) 3.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

• Jack Deutsche (So): 1.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K