Article Text

McLean wasted no time shaking off a nine-month offseason, overwhelming Forest Park 10-0 in five innings to open its 2026 baseball season.

Junior outfielder Adam Wormington sparked the Highlanders with a leadoff single up the middle in the first at-bat of the year. McLean capitalized with four runs in the opening inning, combining hits, walks and hit batters to seize control.

“Getting to notch the first hit of the season was a very cool feeling,” Wormington said. “It was cool to see how excited the bench got when I reached base. Everyone’s energy helped ignite our offense tonight.”

The Highlanders added six runs during a 20-minute second-inning rally. Eleven McLean batters came to the plate as contributions throughout the lineup stretched the advantage to 10-0.

“Top to bottom, each person in the lineup was able to contribute to scoring, whether that was getting on base or moving a runner over,” Wormington said.

Sophomore right-hander Alex Inget was just as sharp on the mound. He needed only 12 pitches to retire Forest Park in the first inning, recording two swinging strikeouts and a flyout.

Inget completed three hitless innings, allowing only one baserunner and striking out four to earn the win. Senior left-hander Colin Tomasulo and senior right-hander Nate Tsitsibelis each worked one inning in relief, combining to surrender one hit while adding four strikeouts.

The performance secured a five-inning mercy-rule victory for McLean.

“All of our pitchers dominated tonight,” Inget said. “Getting the no-hitter would have been really cool, but everyone did their job and we were able to pick up a strong first win.”

Senior Charlie Erlanger said the Highlanders had spent the offseason preparing to build on last season’s success.

McLean’s next challenge will come against defending state champion Gainesville in the Highlanders’ home opener. The game is scheduled for noon March 15.

“Gainesville is a strong squad and we know what they are capable of after winning it all last season,” Erlanger said. “We will be ready for them when they come.”