Warriors ace shines
By Erik Jacobsen Staff Writer
ELGIN -- Ben Palmer proved once again Wednesday that when he's on top of his game, Westminster Christian is nearly impossible
to beat.
The Warriors enjoyed a triumphant return home for the Westminster Christian Class 1A Sectional semifinals thanks to a dazzling
performance by Palmer, who notched a complete-game shutout in a 4-0 victory against Dakota.
Palmer (7-3) dominated from start to finish, striking out 14 of the 26 batters he faced. The senior lefty also issued only
one walk while scattering four hits, two of which didn't leave the infield.
Westminster improved its record to 25-9, matching last year's school record for victories in a season. The Warriors advance
to Saturday's 11 a.m. sectional title game against either Immaculate Conception or East Dubuque.
"I felt in the zone and I was really focused today," Palmer said. "I really wanted to come out and pitch well for these
guys. I didn't want to cost all our seniors this last game. I wanted to come out and pitch well for them."
Palmer's effort made up for Westminster's lackluster day at the plate. The Warriors managed only three hits and scored
three of their runs thanks to a pair of Dakota errors in the third inning.
However, those offensive deficiencies made no difference as Palmer continued to build his reputation as a big-game pitcher.
Palmer returned to the mound on three days' rest after tossing a complete game in Westminster's regional championship win
Saturday, and he improved to 5-1 in the postseason over the past two years. His season-high 14 strikeouts pushed him over
the century mark for the year, giving him an area-best 102 punchouts.
"That was probably his best game of the season," Westminster first baseman Brandon Siewert said. "He was tuned in and he
was definitely ready to go. It was fun to watch."
Dakota starter Robert Lizer (5-2) was also effective, allowing one earned run on three hits while striking out five, walking
one and hitting two batters.
However, Westminster was able to strike for a run in the first inning when leadoff man Casey Schuring was hit by a pitch
and later scored on Carter Ward's sacrifice fly to center field.
The Warriors plated three more critical insurance runs in the third thanks to some shaky play by the Indians' outfielders.
Tyler Beachler reached on an error with one out when Dakota right fielder Josh Langholf misplayed a line drive in the sun.
He then came home to score when Cory Hodge's bloop fly ball drifted away from the outstretched arm of Indians left fielder
Spencer Meinert for another error.
Chadd Schroy drew a walk in the next at-bat, and Hodge and Schroy came around to score when Siewert's bloop single dropped
into shallow center field to give Westminster a 4-0 advantage.
After Siewert's single, Lizer managed to retire the final 10 batters he faced. But the damage was already done as Dakota
(19-3) didn't move a runner past first base after the third inning.
"It probably wasn't the prettiest game, but you have to take advantage of whatever breaks you get," Westminster coach Jeff
Moeller said. "I wouldn't say we hit the ball well today, but we got done what we needed to get done, and that's what it takes."
