FREEPORT — Freeport defeated Rochelle 12-4 on Wednesday night at the Illinois Little League District 19 Championship. The loss was Rochelle’s second in the tournament and knocked the team out with a 1-2 record.

Paul Swartz had two singles, an RBI and scored once for Rochelle, while Landon Delille had a single, double and scored twice. Dylan Whaley scored once on the Swartz single in the second inning. Whaley and Bradley Cooney pitched for Rochelle.

“We just couldn't get the bats going the latter part of the game,” said manager Lance Charnock. “Freeport's pitching was able to keep us at bay.”

Charnock was pleased with the team’s effort over the three games.

"Our boys never gave up,” he added. “From game one through the final out we never wavered in our confidence, positive attitude and will to win. Unfortunately, we came up a little short this year. Our coaches and parents couldn't be more proud of the effort put forth by each and every player.”

Game 1

The Rochelle Little League Junior Baseball All-Stars split their first two games of the Illinois Little League District 19 Championship at Krape Park earlier this week. Rochelle topped Freeport by a score of 22-19 in a seven-inning marathon on Monday before Rochelle fell against Rock Falls by a score of 16-1 on Tuesday.

Paul Swartz and Bradley Cooney walked and scored on a two-run triple by Landon DeLille in the first inning. Cooney scored for Rochelle in the third inning, and the All-Stars piled on 14 runs in the fourth inning.

Swartz, Cooney, DeLille, Brady Schabacker and Breydan Lowery all scored twice in the frame, while Tommy Tourdot, Braden Behrens, John Green and Dylan Whaley scored once. Rochelle scored five runs in the fifth inning, which included a two-run homer by Lowery.

Game 2

Noah Lara doubled for Rochelle in the loss to Rock Falls on Tuesday, while Braden Behrens, Breydan Lowery and Bradley Cooney each singled. Rochelle totaled three hits, three walks and one stolen base in the game.