Marquette Rallies Past Oak Creek in Semifinals
Marquette University High School rallied from a three run deficit to overcome rivals Oak Creek 8-3 in the state semifinals in Mequon on Friday.
The first semifinal of the state tournament pitted the No. 1 ranked Knights of Oak Creek against the Hilltopper, who were No. 3 in our latest power rankings.
The top-ranked Knights took a 3-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Marquette pitcher Jack Dwyer balked in a run, and DJ Ellifson hit a fly ball that fooled the right fielder and dropped for an RBI triple. Alex Binelas also hit an RBI single in the frame.
Marquette scored one run in the bottom of the third on an RBI double by Peter Ahn.
The Hilltoppers scored again in the fourth. Connor Kimple scored on a wild pitch to cut the score to 3-2.
Oak Creek stranded two runners in scoring position in the top of the sixth, which would prove to be costly. In the bottom of the inning, Marquette roared back to life with six runs to take a commanding 8-3 lead.
The inning seemed like it would never end from the Knights' perspective. The Hilltoppers batted around the order and bashed four hits. Dwyer and Jim Jarecki had RBI singles, while Jack Shemanski hit a two RBI double. Joe Acker also drew an RBI walk for Marquette.
Dwyer worked six solid innings on the mound to get the win for the Hilltoppers. He allowed two earned runs and struck out six. Ellifson took a no-decision for the Knights in four innings. He also allowed two earned runs and struck out five.
With the win, the Hilltoppers advanced to the title game, where they would face Menomonee Falls.
