Huntley High School’s baseball game against Jacobs looked like a personal battle between Huntley’s Eric Luecht and Jacobs’ Reilly Peltier.  The two starting pitchers both pitched six stellar innings in Jacobs’ 2-1 victory over Huntley Tuesday night.

“Both guys showed why their each other’s number one,” said Huntley coach Andy Jakubowski.

Both teams were nearly void of offensive output, with Huntley totaling two hits and Jacobs three.  Huntley’s only dent on the scoreboard came from catcher Mark Skonieczny’s RBI single with two outs in the third inning.

Despite a noticeable lack of offensive output, Huntley’s performance on the mound was very impressive.  Luecht struck out four batters and only allowed one earned run in his six innings of work.

“He pitched outstanding,” said Jakubowski.  “He switched speeds and kept them off balance.”

However, Peltier looked even more impressive.  Through six innings, he struck out 13 batters and only allowed Huntley to put the ball in play seven times.

The nail in the coffin came in the bottom of the sixth inning when Huntley’s second baseman dropped a popup to allow a run to score.  Although this wasn’t an earned run, it was enough to allow Peltier to come out on top in the pitcher’s duel.

“Errors are part of the game,” said Jakubowski.  “We struggled a little bit offensively.”

Jacobs’ victory over Huntley is quite a statement, as the two teams are among the best in the area.  The rivals meet up again on Thursday, so Huntley will have the opportunity to even up the season series.

What should be concerning for Huntley is its lack of offensive output.  This has been a chronic problem this season and could give the Red Raiders some grief late in the season.  Without strong offensive play, Huntley won’t be able to contend in the postseason.  Only time will tell if this issue can be mended.

Photo by Alvin Wong