Ottawa tops Kaneland on Rizon Contreras' 3-run homer in 7th

The Times Friday Roundup recaps baseball, softball, and track and field action across the region.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:18am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the dynamic action of a high school baseball game, with players and the field deconstructed into sharp, overlapping shapes.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic final innings of a high school baseball showdown, capturing the raw energy and competitive spirit of the game.Ottawa Today

The Ottawa baseball team used a three-run, seventh inning home run by Rizon Contreras to top Kaneland in an Interstate 8 Conference game on Friday. The Marquette and Earlville softball teams also earned wins, while the Seneca boys and girls track and field teams had strong showings at their own invitational meets.

Why it matters

High school sports are an important part of the local community, providing opportunities for student-athletes to compete, develop skills, and represent their schools. These results highlight the competitive spirit and athletic talent across the region.

The details

In the Ottawa-Kaneland baseball game, Rizon Contreras hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the top of the seventh inning to lead the Pirates to victory. Adam Swanson earned the win on the mound for Ottawa, while Noah Marvin recorded the save. In softball, Marquette scored four runs in the first inning on its way to an 11-1 win over Indian Creek, and Earlville used a three-run third inning to defeat El Paso-Gridley. At the Seneca track and field invites, the Fighting Irish boys and girls teams had several top-five individual finishes.

  • The Ottawa-Kaneland baseball game took place on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • The Marquette-Indian Creek and Earlville-El Paso-Gridley softball games also occurred on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • The Seneca track and field invitational meets were held on the same date, Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Rizon Contreras

A player for the Ottawa baseball team who hit a game-winning three-run homer in the seventh inning against Kaneland.

Adam Swanson

The Ottawa baseball pitcher who earned the win, going 6⅔ innings with 12 strikeouts.

Noah Marvin

The Ottawa baseball player who recorded the one-out save.

Kelsey Cuchra

A Marquette softball player who had four hits, including two doubles, and four RBIs in the win over Indian Creek.

Lila Coleman

A Seneca track and field athlete who won the 400-meter dash, placed second in the 200, fourth in the 100, and first in the long jump at the Seneca Irish Invite.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

These high school sports results showcase the competitive spirit and athletic talent across the region, highlighting the importance of community-based sports programs in providing opportunities for student-athletes to develop skills, represent their schools, and foster a sense of local pride.