Lincoln-Way East’s Rocco Triolo knew the key to success was believing in himself.
As a sophomore on varsity last season, Triolo had typical ups and downs. His hot stretches were overshadowed in his mind by some struggles late in the spring, creating a stretch of self-doubt.
“Last year, I kind of had some mental blocks and I got in my head a little bit,” Triolo said. “This year, I’m just coming out here to do my thing and not worrying about anything. It’s just going into every at-bat knowing I’m going to rope a ball into the gap or do something good.
“When you have confidence, the ball looks like a beach ball up there.”
Triolo saw the ball well Wednesday. The junior outfielder/catcher went 3-for-4, ripped a two-run homer and drove in four runs to lead the host Griffins to a 10-4 win over Lemont in Frankfort.
Casey Mikrut also finished 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI for Lincoln-Way East (13-1). Matt Safarik singled, walked and scored twice, while Matt Ritter produced a pinch-hit RBI double.
Bryson Das earned the win in relief, striking out six over three innings and allowing two earned runs on three hits.
“Coming off our first loss to Lincoln-Way West (on Monday), we were fueled up to come out here, learn from our mistakes and make sure we won this time,” Mikrut said.
South Suburban College recruit Grady Garofalo went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI to lead Lemont (9-3). Ethan Kelby finished 2-for-2 with a walk and a run, while SIU-Edwardsville recruit Brett Tucker went 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and a run.
Triolo, meanwhile, got Lincoln-Way East rolling early, blasting a two-run homer to right-center field to give the Griffins a 3-0 lead in the first inning.
“That just got everyone up on the fence, got everyone more energized and more in-tune to the game,” Mikrut said. “It was huge. I really like how Rocco’s stepped up this season.
“He’s one of the hardest workers I know. He’s always in the gym, always in the cage and now it’s finally paying off on the field. I love seeing it.”
Triolo is hitting .439 with two homers and a team-leading 18 RBIs. He’s already tied his RBI total from last season, when he batted .315.
“I’ve just been staying with my approach,” Triolo said. “Getting at it early in the count, getting my pitch and not missing it.
“After that loss to West, we wanted to come out here and destroy Lemont. I was fired up for my first at-bat. I got my pitch and I didn’t miss it.”
Triolo added an RBI single in the third inning and drove in a run on a fielder’s choice grounder in the sixth. He also started a huge three-run rally with a leadoff single in the fifth as the Griffins opened up an 8-4 lead after Lemont had rallied to tie it 4-4.
Lincoln-Way East John McCarthy certainly likes what he’s seeing from Triolo.
“He’s locked in and he’s really got an aggressive approach,” McCarthy said. “Those are really good things to see out of Rocco. Playing up as a sophomore is difficult with the competition we play. It just takes some time and development.”
Triolo’s goal is to be a college catcher, but he’s mostly playing outfield this spring with senior Jake Newman, a Lewis recruit, handling the bulk of the work behind the plate.
Triolo is gaining a comfort level at his new position while still learning about his usual spot.
“We’ve got Newman, who is our guy back there,” Triolo said. “In the offseason, he’s taught me so much about catching.
“And now in the outfield, I have so much more confidence. I knew I had to step up out there and I did it.”
