Will Cook County News

By Claude Martinez.

Blue Island — It was a complete team effort as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Cardinals defeated the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences Cyclones 16-1 on March 30.

Out of the 12 Cardinals batters, nine recorded hits on the day, with the biggest coming early.

In the bottom of the first inning, Eisenhower was trailing by one until sophomore third baseman James McGahan came to the plate.

With two runners on base, he smacked a double and brought in two RBIs. From that point on, the Cardinals held the lead, which earned McGahan WCCN Player of the Game honors.

“I was just looking out there to get my teammates in and [to] get on it quick,” James McGahan said to WCCN.

On the day, he went 2 for 3 with three RBIs.

Other players also had strong performances, including pitcher Adam Ford, who threw three innings and recorded seven strikeouts, finishing with a 2.33 ERA. He also went 2 for 3 at the plate and scored 2 runs.

Catcher JanCarlo “JC” Ramirez contributed as well, going 2 for 3 with two RBIs and a double.

McGahan spoke about their efforts.

“Adam Ford stepped up today by pitching on the mound and JC, our catcher, behind the plate. He was getting there [making] catches, blocking for us and making a couple of good throws.”

James has been playing baseball since he was three years old. Along the way, he competed at a high level and had a strong support system.

“When I was 10, the All-Star game, we won the championship and it was just a great time. We were little, but I mean we went out there swinging and we won the little ball series,” McGahan said happily.” I like to give a shout out to my mom. She’s been there since I was little. I mean, she’s always been there.”

With this being his first season on varsity, he also shared his thoughts on the outlook for the rest of the season at Eisenhower.

“I want to improve on getting after it in the first inning. We don’t do too hot in the first inning and [we need to] just go out there swinging. Go out there with energy.”

Eisenhower’s next scheduled game is against Joliet Central on March 31.

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