Lockport's Adam Kozak Hits Two Home Runs in 8-3 Win Over Brother Rice

Senior outfielder leads Lockport to victory in Do It Stevie's Way Tournament game

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:22am

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Adam Kozak, a senior outfielder for Lockport High School, hit two solo home runs and scored three times to lead his team to an 8-3 victory over host Brother Rice in a Do It Stevie's Way Tournament game in Chicago. Kozak, who is committed to play baseball at Lewis University, went 3-for-4 with nine total bases. Lockport also got a three-run homer from senior outfielder David Kundrat, while junior starter Austin Winge picked up the pitching win, striking out eight and allowing five hits.

Why it matters

Kozak's performance highlights Lockport's strong offensive firepower and the team's ability to capitalize on windy conditions to hit for power. The win over Brother Rice, another strong program, also demonstrates Lockport's competitiveness in the tournament.

The details

Kozak, who is known for his aggressive batting approach and quick swing, took advantage of winds gusting up to 28 mph to hit two solo home runs, one off a left-handed pitcher and the other to the opposite field. His first homer in the third inning off senior lefty Braydon McKendrick gave Lockport an early lead, and his second blast off senior right-hander Shea Leahy in the later innings punctuated his career-best performance. Lockport also got a three-run shot from senior outfielder David Kundrat, while junior starter Austin Winge picked up the pitching win, striking out eight and scattering five hits.

  • Kozak hit his first home run in the third inning.
  • Kozak hit his second home run later in the game.

The players

Adam Kozak

A senior outfielder for Lockport High School who is committed to play baseball at Lewis University. He went 3-for-4 with two solo home runs and three runs scored in the win over Brother Rice.

David Kundrat

A senior outfielder for Lockport High School who hit a three-run home run in the game.

Austin Winge

Lockport's junior starting pitcher who picked up the win, striking out eight and allowing five hits.

Gavin Helpingstine

A sophomore outfielder for Brother Rice who hit a two-run home run.

Luca Agne

A junior infielder for Brother Rice who drove in a run.

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What they’re saying

“Ever since I was young, I always knew how to take a big hack. I've had great coaches here. They've taught me how to have a great swing.”

— Adam Kozak, Senior Outfielder, Lockport

“He's just a fierce competitor who's very aggressive up at the plate. You didn't see too much of it because he was hitting the ball out of the park.”

— Scott Malinowski, Head Coach, Lockport

“He brought great energy and was just getting it rolling from the start. He's a quick and athletic guy who knows how to get on base. He just does it all for us.”

— Zack Skrzypiec, Senior Designated Hitter, Lockport

What’s next

Lockport will look to continue its momentum from this win as it advances deeper into the Do It Stevie's Way Tournament. The team's performance has raised expectations for a strong season ahead.

The takeaway

Kozak's powerful display at the plate, combined with Lockport's overall offensive firepower and pitching, demonstrates the team's potential to be a force to be reckoned with this season. The win over Brother Rice is an early statement that Lockport is a contender in the tournament and the broader high school baseball landscape.