Coming into the season, sophomore left-hander AJ Minderman didn’t know how he was going to fit in on the varsity for Geneva, but he was adamant about one thing.
He knew that he belonged.
Vikings coach Brad Wendell keeps putting him out there. And Minderman continues to impress.
“When I found out, I was pretty excited to get this opportunity,” Minderman said. “I just had confidence in my teammates around me. They helped me out so much. I had confidence in myself. I already knew I was going have a good game before I came out here.”
Minderman responded Wednesday by doing what he’s done all spring.
He struck out five and pitched a complete game no-hitter as Geneva opened the playoffs with a 19-0 win in four innings over Streamwood in a Class 3A Burlington Central Regional semifinal.
There were plenty of offensive stars for the top-seeded Vikings (29-7).
Nelson Wendell led the way with three runs and three hits, including two doubles. Nick Torrence added two hits and four RBIs. Gavin Dworak contributed two hits and three RBIs, while Tate Beran chipped in with two hits and two RBIs.
With a roster already boasting a pair of aces in Michigan State recruit Mason Bruesch and Noah Hallahan, Minderman’s breakout season has made the Vikings all the more dangerous.
His 8-1 record makes him the pitching staff’s leader in wins.
“We kind of knew it was in there, but we weren’t sure,” Wendell said. “He was a little guy as a freshman. We thought he had good stuff and we put him out there and he kept having good stuff.
“What we saw was happening. He’s beaten everyone. He came out here and won a playoff game. He’s just done everything we’ve asked of him and he’s done a great job.”
Something that helped Minderman take the next step was mastering the change-up, according to junior catcher Alex Abraham.
“He likes his change-up over his fastball,” Abraham said. “He didn’t really like it at the end of last season. Toward the winter, he really started to work on it, and he likes painting the outside corner.
“That’s been really effective keeping hitters off-balance.”
Minderman confirmed that finding the correct grip on his change-up, which has a lot of movement, unlocked even more of his potential.
“I just love throwing it,” Minderman said. “I just feel comfortable. Every throw feels good with it. I love the movement on it, obviously. It works pretty well for me.”
Dominant on the mound Wednesday, Minderman then sat back and watched Geneva’s offense go to work again. The Vikings sent 20 batters to the plate in a 16-run third inning, icing the win.
“I don’t even have to worry about it sometimes because I know we’re going to out-offense every team we play,” Minderman said. “It’s always great for me to go out there and know that I have the hitters around me.”
Wendell admitted he briefly questioned his choice Wednesday to start Minderman, but he quickly realized his instincts were correct.
“I’m super proud of the way he stood out there and did it again,” Wendell said. “We did expect him to do that. That’s why we put him out there.”
After some question marks early, Minderman is clearly a big part of Geneva’s rotation.
“I have a little chip on my shoulder because I’m a younger guy,” Minderman said. “It means a lot to me to be a part of this team and have a big role. I know what I can do against these good teams.
“I just always have confidence in myself on the mound.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
