Frank Garofalo lifts St. Rita to state championship game with walk-off hit
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 8:28 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
Frank Garofalo hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning to give St. Rita a 2-1 victory over East Peoria in a Class 3A state semifinal on June 12, 2026. Garofalo’s hit secured the Mustangs’ spot in the championship game, where they will face Troy Triad. Sully Kazee pitched a solid game, allowing only one earned run in a three-hitter performance. St. Rita aims to win its first state title after previously finishing as runner-up in 2009, 2010, and 2014. Coach John Nee emphasized the significance of the opportunity for the community and the program's tradition.
- •Garofalo drove in the winning run after a season of limited play.
- •Sully Kazee allowed only one earned run while striking out three batters.
- •St. Rita will play Troy Triad in the championship game on June 13.
- •The Mustangs previously lost in championship games in 2009, 2010, and 2014.
- 8:28 PMYahoo Sports — Taking advantage, Frank Garofalo gets St. Rita to state championship game with walk-off single. ‘Big moment.’
"Frank Garofalo spent much of the season on St. Rita’s bench, watching and waiting. The junior infielder struggled when he did get chances early in the spring, but he stayed ready and never lost his belief in himself. A late-season injury to Braden Quinn opened the door. “I always knew I could play with everyone but I never really had an opportunity,” Garofalo said. “When I did get ...
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