2020 Chicago Elite Storms Back to Claim National Division Title in Chicago Midwest Suburban League
Chicago Midwest Suburban League, National Division
Chicago Elite 22, Marlins 6
‘Coconato Secures Title on Bump after One Day’s Rest’
Submitted by Henry Perez, Elite manager
After losing 9-0 Friday night we came back yesterday to win two games and claim the championship. We were down 10 runs in the eighth inning of game one and came all the way back. We then turned it up in game two as series MVP Justin Coconato pitched Friday night and then started in game three Sunday.
Both pitching staffs had their hands full on Sunday in a high-scoring affair in game one where Chicago Elite bested the Marlins, 14-13. Josh Tesch and John Boidanis managed multiple hits for Chicago Elite. Boidanis and Tesch each collected two hits to lead us. We didn’t commit a single error in the field as Tesch had seven chances in the field, the most on the team.
Down 10 runs in bottom of the eighth inning the Elite put up 11 runs to take the 14-13 lead. Trevor Maly then came in to close out the game in the top of the ninth to force a game three.
Both Chicago Elite and the Marlins had their offenses going on Sunday, but we eventually prevailed 22-6. Julian Guttirrez showed a strong eye at the plate in the victory for Chicago Elite by walking three times. The Elite got on the board in the first inning as Guttirrez drove in two with a triple. We then tallied six runs in the ninth inning. Our batters contributing to the big inning included Austin Kordik, Josh Tesch and Tino Torres, who all drove in runs.
The Marlins scored three runs in the second inning on a double by Brian Serrano. On one day’s rest Justin Coconato started on the mound for the Elite. Coconato allowed only five hits and five runs over eight innings, striking out six on 120 pitches.
We racked up 18 hits with Tesch, Guttirrez, Juan Robles, Torres, Eric Maki, Rick Gazarek and Victor Perez all managing multiple hits for us. Guttirrez and Tesch each collected three hits to lead Chicago Elite to the National Division championship!