Callaghan O'Connor Blasts 3 HRs, Nick Pignatiello 2 in Bishop McNamara Win

Thursday's Daily Journal roundup features high-scoring baseball and softball action across the region.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a high school baseball game, with sharp planes of color representing the players, field, and equipment.A cubist interpretation of the high-scoring baseball action captured in the Daily Journal roundup.Joliet Today

Callaghan O'Connor hit three home runs and Nick Pignatiello had two, including a go-ahead grand slam in the top of the seventh, to lead Bishop McNamara to an 18-14 conference win over Marian Central Catholic. Elsewhere, Kankakee, Lincoln-Way East, Manteno, Herscher, and Clifton Central were among the other teams picking up victories on the diamond.

Why it matters

High school baseball and softball games often feature exciting back-and-forth action, with players stepping up in clutch moments to lead their teams to victory. This roundup highlights some of the top individual performances and key results from across the region, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of local student-athletes.

The details

In the Bishop McNamara-Marian Central Catholic game, O'Connor and Pignatiello combined for 12 RBIs, with Pignatiello's seventh-inning grand slam proving to be the difference. Elsewhere, Bryce Deany and Bryce Arceneaux combined for a strong pitching performance to lead Kankakee to a 3-2 win, and Gaige Brown had a big day at the plate to help Herscher win its sixth straight game.

  • On Thursday, April 17, 2026

The players

Callaghan O'Connor

A player for Bishop McNamara who hit three home runs and had six RBIs in the team's 18-14 win.

Nick Pignatiello

A player for Bishop McNamara who hit two home runs, including a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning, and had six RBIs in the team's 18-14 win.

Bryce Deany

The starting pitcher for Kankakee who allowed just two hits over four innings in the team's 3-2 win.

Bryce Arceneaux

The relief pitcher for Kankakee who struck out five batters over two innings to secure the team's 3-2 win.

Gaige Brown

The leadoff hitter for Herscher who had four hits, including two doubles and a triple, to help the team win its sixth straight game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, but the guys really stepped up and made the plays when it mattered most.”

— Callaghan O'Connor, Bishop McNamara Player

“My teammates did a great job getting on base and setting the table for me. I was just trying to put a good swing on the ball in that big moment.”

— Nick Pignatiello, Bishop McNamara Player

The takeaway

High school baseball and softball games often feature thrilling back-and-forth action, with players stepping up in clutch moments to lead their teams to victory. This roundup highlights the talent and competitiveness of local student-athletes across the region.