As a sophomore last season, Anthony Edge emerged as the closer for Jacobs.
That also helped lead to his commitment to Bradley.
He spent the majority of the offseason, however, trying to prove that he’s more than just a closer.
“He wants to make sure he is established as a two-way guy,” Jacobs coach Jamie Murray said. “He’s a fantastic hitter. He’s short to it. He’s been successful.
“I like him in the leadoff spot. He’s had some big hits for us.”
Edge continued his stellar work Tuesday at shortstop and in the leadoff role for the Golden Eagles in a 11-2 victory over Harvest Christian at Judson’s Hoffer Field in Elgin.
As part of an 11-run fifth inning, Edge had a pair of two-run singles, the first giving Jacobs (6-0) the lead for good. He also had the game-winning RBI on Monday against Crystal Lake Central.
“We’ve been waiting to get that big hit in all of these games,” Edge said. “Coming through was huge because we didn’t want to lose this game.
“I worked on my swing all offseason, and if I get a two-way spot in college, that would be even better.”
Edge broke out for the Golden Eagles last season. He had a 2-1 record and finished 7-for-7 in save opportunities. He didn’t allow an earned run until the postseason.
He bounced around the field defensively and hit .310, leading Murray to trust Edge at shortstop and in the leadoff spot as a junior.
“He had good numbers for us in the outfield,” Murray said. “We kind of found spots for him, but he really made his presence felt on the mound.
“I had a chance to see him all winter and I know how hard he’s worked.”
Harvest Christian (4-3) held a 2-0 lead going into that fifth.
Sam Rohlfing singled in JP Reiger in the first and Jacob Janisko singled in Eloy Suarez in the third. Emin Hartigan struck out six and allowed only one hit until the fifth.
“Through four innings, he was dominant,” Harvest coach Matt Ellett said. “I liked the way we battled. I was really proud of the staff.
“Emin was fantastic. As a sophomore he has big upside, did a great job.”
Brandon Helbig walked to lead off the fifth for Jacobs and Nathan Jonas followed with a single. Quinn Butera then laid down a sacrifice bunt. The throw went awry, however, and the Golden Eagles were in business.
It was only 2-1 when Edge delivered his first two-run single. When it was all said and done, Jacobs sent 15 batters to the plate to break the game open.
“That was the whole thing — we didn’t panic,” Murray said. “We just kind of stayed the course, got some guys on base and got some clutch hits.”
Brian Kobige earned the win for Jacobs. He worked four innings, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out seven and walking three.
“I thought Brian did a nice job for us,” Murray said. “The weather wasn’t great, but he found a way.”
Edge’s dominance on the mound last season led to his early college commitment.
“It was nice because this summer I can just focus on what I need to do and maintain my health,” Edge said. “There’s no stress, really. A lot of kids are going to be stressing out about where they’re going to land next year. I don’t have to.”
Now, he’s ready to play shortstop, lead off and come in to close the door behind Nathan Chapman, Christian Graves and Co. in the starting rotation.
“I think me coming out of the pen, with that experience last year closing out games, will be pretty dangerous,” Edge said.
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
