#18 Eagles Dominate Ranked Field at Winter Classic
Normal, IL- The #18 Kirkwood Eagles made a national statement this weekend in Normal, Illinois, sweeping three ranked opponents at the Winter Classic hosted by Heartland Community College. Over two days, the Eagles knocked off #15 Parkland, #5 Madison College, and #4 Heartland in an impressive stretch that showcased both offensive firepower and depth on the mound.
Eagles Explode Past #15 Parkland
Kirkwood opened the weekend with a 10-6 win over #15 Parkland, using a seven-run third inning to seize control. After falling behind early, the Eagles responded in a big way, sending 12 men to the plate in the decisive frame.
Alex Altmann delivered the biggest swing of the game, driving in five runs on a two-hit performance that included extra-base power. Wrigley Matthys added two hits and a stolen base, while Brady Blake reached base four times and scored once. Ty Andrews crossed the plate twice and handled 11 putouts behind the dish.
On the mound, Oliver Lindstrom earned the win in relief, settling the game after Parkland's early surge. Ayden Schrunk was dominant over three scoreless innings, striking out four and allowing just one hit to preserve the momentum.
Power Surge Downs #5 Madison
The Eagles followed with a 9-5 victory over #5 Madison College behind a power-packed offensive performance. Kirkwood tallied 10 hits, including three home runs.
Jax Theeler had a monster outing, going 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs. Landon Frost added a homer and two RBIs, while Landon Jasper also went deep and drove in two. Blake Lundholm collected two hits and scored twice at the top of the lineup.
Reece Wrage earned the win, striking out 10 over 4.2 innings in a gritty performance. Drew Zemaitis provided valuable middle relief, and Reid Burkle closed the door to secure the victory.
Statement Win Over #4 Heartland
Kirkwood capped the weekend with an 8-4 win over host and #4-ranked Heartland, completing the sweep of top-15 competition.
The Eagles broke a 3-3 tie with a three-run fifth inning and added insurance late. Alex Altmann continued his red-hot weekend with a three-run home run, finishing with three RBIs. Ty Andrews collected two hits, including a triple and double, and drove in a run. Jax Theeler added two RBIs, while Landon Frost chipped in an RBI and reached base three times.
Jackson Niederwerder earned the win on the mound, going five innings and striking out six while allowing just two earned runs. Carson Costello and Collin Homan combined to close out the final two innings and secure the statement victory.
A Complete Weekend
Across three games against nationally ranked opponents, Kirkwood's lineup produced 27 runs and 27 hits while launching four home runs. The pitching staff struck out 31 batters over 21 innings, consistently limiting damage in high-leverage moments.
Next Up
Kirkwood now heads south for another major test, traveling to Florida this week to compete in the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational. The Eagles will face top-tier competition for a week before returning home to begin conference play.
