Litchfield Panthers Baseball Graphic

Litchfield Overwhelms Lanphier 15-0 Behind Explosive Offense and Combined Shutout

The Litchfield varsity baseball team delivered a masterclass on both sides of the diamond Wednesday, rolling to a 15-0 road victory over Lanphier in a five-inning non-conference clash.

Capitalizing on relentless hitting, aggressive baserunning, and defensive miscues by Lanphier, Litchfield erupted for five runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back. The visiting lineup tallied 13 hits and swiped 11 bases on the day, punishing a Lanphier defense that committed eight errors.

Senior Mathew Bywater was an offensive force for Litchfield, going 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, two runs scored, and a game-high three RBIs. Senior Max Leitschuh was equally perfect at the plate, finishing 3-for-3 with a double, three runs scored, and three RBIs of his own. Senior Ethan Saathoff provided the biggest blast of the afternoon, launching a home run and driving in a run.

Senior T. Pastrovich also turned in a stellar performance, collecting two hits—including a double—while scoring twice and terrorizing the basepaths with a game-high three stolen bases.

While the offense built a massive cushion, Litchfield’s pitching staff quietly dismantled Lanphier’s lineup, combining for a two-hit shutout. Junior Max Gretjak earned the win, tossing three scoreless innings. He allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out five on 43 pitches. Senior Tucker Maguire slammed the door in relief, pitching two perfect innings and striking out four of the six batters he faced to secure the 15-0 victory.

Game Summary

Score by Quarters

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Final
Litchfield 5 3 0 4 3 15
Lanphier 0 0 0 0 0 0

Scoring Drives

  • 1st Inning: Litchfield’s offense erupts early, plating five runs to take a commanding lead.

  • 2nd Inning: Litchfield extends its advantage with a three-run frame.

  • 4th Inning: A four-run surge further distances Litchfield from Lanphier.

  • 5th Inning: Litchfield tacks on three final runs to cap off the mercy-rule victory.

Individual Statistics

HITTING (Litchfield):

  • Mathew Bywater (Sr): 3-4, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 R, 3 RBI, 1 SB

  • Max Leitschuh (Sr): 3-3, 1 2B, 3 R, 3 RBI, 1 SB

  • T. Pastrovich (Sr): 2-4, 1 2B, 2 R, 1 RBI, 3 SB

  • Ethan Saathoff (Sr): 1-2, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 SB

  • Titan Hires (Sr): 1-3, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 SB

  • Kaiden Law (Sr): 1-2, 2 RBI

  • Augustus Hale (Fr): 1-1, 1 R, 1 RBI

PITCHING (Litchfield):

  • Max Gretjak (Jr): (W) 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 43 pitches

  • Tucker Maguire (Sr): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 19 pitches

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Dems fail in first try to use ‘state sovereignty’ to ‘veto’ ICE

Dems fail in first try to use ‘state sovereignty’ to ‘veto’ ICE

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square As a federal judge in Chicago prepares to hear Illinois' and Chicago's lawsuit seeking to all but halt ICE and Border Patrol...
Illinois Quick Hits: McIntyre back as inspector general for DCFS

Illinois Quick Hits: McIntyre back as inspector general for DCFS

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has reappointed Ann McIntyre to continue serving as inspector general for the Illinois Department...
Lawmakers discuss budget, spending, tax credits as Illinois Senate returns

Lawmakers discuss budget, spending, tax credits as Illinois Senate returns

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Senate Appropriations Committee chair says greater federal scrutiny of state government spending will not change...
IL lawmakers push discount drug legislation to prevent restricted access

IL lawmakers push discount drug legislation to prevent restricted access

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are pushing an amendment to ban restrictions or interference with a federal discount drug program....
ag

Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting to Focus on Cattle Markets and Soil Health

Article Summary: The annual Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting is scheduled for February 10 in Taylorville, offering producers updates on cattle profitability, market outlooks, and agricultural research. Dudley Smith Winter...
Chicago downtown office space vacancy rate ends year at record high levels

Chicago downtown office space vacancy rate ends year at record high levels

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Wirepoints Executive Editor Mark Glennon warns Chicago’s dwindling business community could be riding into high-gear after...
Ex-Illinois candidate sides with Vance after Duckworth–Rubio clash

Ex-Illinois candidate sides with Vance after Duckworth–Rubio clash

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, is facing fresh criticism after Vice President J.D. Vance likened her...
Illinois Quick Hits: Judge rules Cook County misspent $243M

Illinois Quick Hits: Judge rules Cook County misspent $243M

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A circuit court judge has ruled that Cook County spent $243 million in violation of the Illinois...
On behalf of the Cahokia Creek Dirt Riders, Steve Pickerill presented Sheriff Holshouser with a donation to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. The funds will be used in support of operations at the Sheriff's Office.

Montgomery Sheriff Donation

On behalf of the Cahokia Creek Dirt Riders, Steve Pickerill presented Sheriff Holshouser with a donation to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. The funds will be used in support of...

Principals Highlight “Success Days” and Data-Driven Incentives

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: Litchfield school principals presented updates to the Board of Education regarding recent professional development focusing on data analysis and new...
Litchfield Fire personnel practiced ice rescue techniques at Walton Park this week. Residents are reminded that frozen bodies of water can have many hidden dangers. Please refrain from walking or riding recreational vehicles on any ice without experience or checking the ice thickness beforehand. Refrozen holes could be significantly thinner and give way under weight.

Ice Rescue Training

Litchfield Fire personnel practiced ice rescue techniques at Walton Park last week. Residents are reminded that frozen bodies of water can have many hidden dangers. Please refrain from walking or...
Chicago FOP boss: Mayor’s ICE on Notice order is 'piece of toilet paper'

Chicago FOP boss: Mayor’s ICE on Notice order is ‘piece of toilet paper’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order directing members of the city’s police department to...
Litchfield Fire Department has a loaner fire engine one of the engines is out for an emergency repair. Firefighters ensured it’s equipped and ready to serve with little to no interruption in service.

Loaner Fire Engine

Litchfield Fire Department has a loaner fire engine one of the engines is out for an emergency repair. Firefighters ensured it’s equipped and ready to serve with little to no...
Lawmaker, officer: 'Blue Envelope" could help navigate autism during stops

Lawmaker, officer: ‘Blue Envelope” could help navigate autism during stops

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker who also serves in law enforcement says proposed legislation creating a “Blue Envelope”...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Litchfield for January 22, 2026

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 The Litchfield City Council met on Thursday, January 22, 2026, to address infrastructure projects, property management, and lake operations. The meeting was...