Libertyville beats Maine South to win back-to-back Class 4A crowns

It took eight innings, but Libertyville knocked off Maine South 7-6 on Saturday at Slammers Stadium in Joliet to secure back-to-back Class 4A state championships.

The Wildcats are the first local team to win consecutive 4A titles since Providence pulled off the feat in 2016. Matt Thompson’s squad is 67-14 over the past two seasons.

Libertyville’s deep, talented lineup came back from 3-0 and 5-2 deficits to pick up the win.

“I never stopped believing in these guys,” Thompson said. “Our lineup, we have so many guys that can hit and put pressure on teams. These guys just kept coming through and never gave up.”

Libertyville (31-10) took the lead when Jack Cenar scored from third on a balk. Madden Cotts, the son of former Cubs and White Sox pitcher Neal Cotts, scored on a single by Carson Holmes to give the Wildcats a two-run cushion. Cotts reached base on a bunt single. He pitched the last three innings, allowing one run on three hits, to earn the win.

“I knew I had to be ready [to pitch] just in case because [Libertyville ace Chase Lockwood] wasn’t available,” Cotts said. “I had to pitch strikes and let the defense do what it does best.”

Cotts was 3 for 5 batting with a run scored a stolen base and a RBI. Ryan Wilberding had two hits and Bode Rohrbach added a key double.

Maine South, making its first appearance at state since 1966, finished the season 26-16 and enjoyed a Cinderella run to the championship game.

Hawks starting pitcher Jack Gianikos went five innings and allowed six hits and four runs. Gavin Krischke, Braden Cremins and Luka Stojakovic each had two hits for Maine South (26-16).

“The way we do things in Illinois with the one-and-done and trying to win seven games it is incredibly hard just to get to this point. Obviously it is an accomplishment but we are disappointed. We gave up the lead. But I am incredibly proud of this group. It was a privilege to coach these guys.”