Baseball Recap: The Linx Win Against the Crusaders in a Last-Minute Comeback

The Lincoln Lynx came to visit the Eastside Catholic Crusaders on Friday night. In the 2024 season the Lynx finished 8-5 and sixth in Metro, while the Crusaders finished 11-5 and fourth in Metro last spring. Heading into this matchup, both the Crusaders and Lynx were 3-2. In the end, Lincoln came out on top with a 7-3 comeback victory over Eastside Catholic.

Going into the sixth inning the score was 3-1 with the Crusaders on top, time was running out for the Lynx. Lincoln was able to battle back in this half inning, putting up 2 runs and bringing the game to a tie headed into the bottom of the sixth. Freshman Ryan Perkins then took the mound for the Lynx and was able to hold the crusaders scoreless, giving Lincoln an opportunity to take the lead in the top of the seventh.

The Lynx saw their opportunity and took it, Miles MacDougal had a huge pinch hit 2 RBI single and Lincoln ended up putting up 4 runs to take the lead, putting the Crusaders in tough spot. With only three outs left in the game, the Crusaders were unable to make a comeback after being shut out by Perkins. The freshman played a crucial role in Lincoln’s victory, with a final stat line of 3 innings pitched, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts, and 0 runs allowed.

Lincoln starter Zach Nelson pitched the first four innings with 6 strikeouts, and 3 earned runs. He went 2-2 from the plate with 1 run, 3 RBIs, and 2 walks. Another standout performance for the Lynx was Anders Dillion who got on base twice with a single and a walk.

Eastside Catholic started the game hot, having scored runs in the second, third, and fourth innings. Some standout performances for the Crusaders were: Ryan Long who went 2-3 with a walk, Will Crain who went 2-3 with a double, single, walk, and run, and Kai Jambor who went 1-2 with a single and 2 walks.

This game was a tossup heading in, with no clear favorite. It seemed as though Eastside Catholic started hot but lost their stamina allowing Lincoln to battle back late in the game. The Lynx showed off with their batting performances and elite relief pitching which can only hope to see more of this season