Senior pitcher Ben Reilly likes to compartmentalize his dual role for Andrew.
Of course, that’s not always easy. But even when he makes a regular start on the mound, Reilly tries to be certain that one side of his game doesn’t detract from the other.
“I like to separate hitting and pitching so if I have a bad hit it doesn’t mess up my pitching,” he said. “That first inning definitely gave me a confidence boost and set me up the rest of the game.”
It set him up perfectly, to be exact.
Reilly came through with a two-run single in the first and also pitched two perfect innings Friday, sparking the host Thunderbolts to a 7-1 nonconference win over Richards in Tinley Park.
Five pitchers combined for nine strikeouts and allowed just hits for Andrew (4-3). Senior relievers Ben Westin and Danny Moss each struck out the side in their single-inning appearances.
Junior shortstop Carter Gillen broke up the no-hitter in the top of the fifth and senior outfielder Noah Escobedo scored the lone run for Richards (3-3).
Reilly (3-0), meanwhile, recorded a strikeout and retired all six hitters he faced for the win. Jason Rediger, who went 2-for-2 with two RBIs, pointed to Reilly being Andrew’s catalyst Friday.
“He really got us going,” Rediger said. “He’s very confident at the plate and just pounds the zone as a pitcher. He’s outgoing, easy to talk to and a great outfielder when he’s not pitching.”
Reilly threw 21 of his 27 pitches for strikes.
“I asked him before the game if he wanted to focus on being a designated hitter rather than pitch and he said he wanted to do both,” Andrew coach Dave DeHaan said. “He can throw three pitches for strikes and keeps hitters off-balance.
“He’s one of the best outfielders I’ve ever coached. Pressure never gets to him.”
Reilly intuitively understands the psychology of opposing pitches. It helped him in his first at-bat.
“I felt really confident because I saw he was digging into his glove,” Reilly said. “I was thinking he’s going to throw a curve and I’m sitting back.
“It’s very beneficial being a pitcher because I think about what pitches I’d throw, the location and what kind of pitch to look for.”
His two-run single helped Andrew go up 5-0 after the first, and his versatility is a key component of the Thunderbolts’ attack. He played center field for five innings.
The middle of three kids, Reilly’s love of the game was passed down through a special bond with his maternal grandfather.
“My dad passed away when I was young and he was like a father to me,” Reilly said. “He loved the game and taught me a lot. Sadly, he also passed, but I feel like I’m doing this in his memory.”
Reilly started to get serious about baseball in middle school. Now in his second varsity season, he’s found his comfort zone. And his confidence has been building off the field as well.
Last month, he was the master of ceremonies for Andrew’s variety show. He sang several rock songs and also danced.
”I’ve done it the past three years now,” Reilly said. “I really didn’t want to do it my sophomore year, but my mom and my best friend pushed me to try out. I think it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
“Singing is something that just came naturally to me. I’ve really become more outgoing, coming out of my shell the past couple of years, and I think the variety show is a big reason.”
And in baseball, Reilly is ready to take center stage.
“My favorite thing is just striking people out,” he said. “I get to walk around the mound, knowing I’m better than them this day and watch them walk back to the dugout.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
