Three Railsplitters homer in 8-7
win over PND
[May 09, 2025]
The Class of 2025 had their final walk through the halls of
LCHS on Thursday and seniors Drew Hayes, Ashton Corley and Jadyn
Gulley decided to make the day a little more memorable by crushing
home runs against Peoria Notre Dame.
One game. Three players. They each hit home runs in Peoria and they
all three play the outfield for the Railsplitters. Very cool.
That doesn’t happen a lot in high school baseball.
Lincoln coach August Casson said he has had two players homer in a
game once but never three.
“Pretty amazing!” said Casson.
Each home run either put Lincoln in front of the Irish or kept them
in front, giving the Railsplitters even more reason to celebrate
after they rounded the bases.
Even better, the Railsplitters win after getting behind early.
The Railsplitters were down 6-1 after two innings, but kept chipping
away at the Irish lead and ended up 8-7 winners.
Drew Hayes was the first Railsplitter to homer in the afternoon
game. Hayes, batting in the no. 3 spot, launched a 1-1 pitch over
the left field fence for a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
Hayes homered off starter Kellan McCavitt.
The Irish took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning on two
singles and a hit by pitch.
Three singles and two doubles in the bottom of the second inning
powered the Irish to a 6-1 lead.
Hayes, Ashton Corley and Parker Graue each singled in the top of the
third inning and Griffin Shaw added an RBI double that trimmed the
lead to 6-3.
Austin Lucas jumped on the first pitch of the fifth inning for a
single and Hayes did not waste time in his at-bat, sending the
second pitch to left for a double. Graue was able to get another RBI
on a single to left and the Railsplitters were making a comeback
with no outs in the inning yet. A new pitcher, Jude Lichtenberger,
came into the ballgame for Gulley’s at-bat and he was quick to greet
him with a three-run homer. Lincoln jumped ahead 7-6 after scoring
four runs in the inning.
It was Corley’s turn to round the bases in the top of the sixth
inning. He led off the inning with a line drive over the left field
fence, giving Lincoln a bit of cushion, leading 8-6. Corley's home
run was also off Lichtenberger.
The Irish plated one run in the bottom of the sixth inning on three
singles, a sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk.
[to top of second column] |
Nothing but smiles for Drew Hayes, Ashton Corley and Jadyn Gulley.
The trio of outfielders each homered in the Railsplitter win against
Peoria Notre Dame. Photo courtesy of Erin Miller.
Tate Aue then masterfully pitched out of a bases-loaded jam. He got
help from Drew Hayes, who tracked down a fly ball for out no. 2 and
then Aue himself got the last batter in the inning to strike out on
six pitches. The first two strikes caught the batter looking and the
third strike was swinging. Pretty sweet pitching by Aue.
The Railsplitters couldn’t add to the 8-7 lead in the seventh inning
but no worries with Aue on the mound.
Aue allowed a single on the first pitch in the bottom of the seventh
inning but got a double play on the second pitch. Seven pitches
later Aue sent Mason Kenny back to the dugout with a strikeout. Game
over.
Tate Aue picked up the win for Lincoln and he was terrific in five
innings of relief. He allowed one run on seven hits and walked one
batter. He struck out two batters in key situations.
Bryce Vlahovich started the game for Lincoln. He worked two innings,
allowing seven hits and six runs. He walked one and struck out one.
The three home runs were amazing but also impressive was the 4-for-4
performance by Drew Hayes at the plate.
Hayes had a homer, single, double and another single to complete his
day. He raised his batting average to .408 on the season. Hayes
crossed home plate three times and had one RBI.
Graue, Corley, Gulley and Shaw each had two hits for Lincoln.
Gulley drove in three runs.
Lucas also had a hit, bringing Lincoln’s team total to 13 against
the Irish.
The Railsplitters improved their record to 9-14 on the season.
Lincoln will play at Clinton today at 4:30 p.m.
[Teena Lowery]
 |
