Lincoln-Way Central senior ‘will
do anything to help the team win’
Brandon Bennitt has been a jack-of-all-trades this season as a senior for Lincoln-Way Central. He’s played in the infield and the outfield.
He’s even pitched for the Knights.
If Lincoln-Way Central (13-8) has a hole to fill, more often than not, Bennitt gets the call. And he’s done so selflessly and impressively.
“Brandon is a three-year varsity starter who will do anything to help the team win,” Lincoln-Way Central coach Mitch Nowicki said. “He’s played second base, third base, outfield and has pitched for us all without hesitation.
“His work ethic is contagious on the field, in the classroom and during the offseason. He has a rare combination of leadership, character and performance.”
Bennitt agreed to switch to right field, even though he had never played the outfield.
“The biggest adjustment has been reading the ball off the bat,” Bennitt said. “But I feel good out there. Wherever I’m needed, I’ll play.”
Bennitt has been an occasional starting pitcher and reliever. He’s 1-1 with a 3.10 ERA over 10
“I’ve had a few starts, but I like closing,” he said. “I love pitching. I’m hoping to pitch some in college.”
Bennitt plans to play in college next year at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he intends to major in computer engineering. He’s an outstanding student who has a 5.2 GPA and scored a 30 on the ACT.
Along with the temperature, Bennitt’s bat is also starting to heat up. A switch-hitter, he’s batting .326 with 17 runs, four doubles, two homers and 13 RBIs. He hit .429 last season.
Bennitt attributes his slow start to brutal weather conditions and a bit of tough luck.
“I feel like I’ve been hitting the ball right at guys,” Bennitt said. “I got off to a slow start last year, too. It’s been a little mental, but I’m feeling more comfortable at the plate.”
He hopes his bat remains hot for Friday’s much-anticipated showdown at Lincoln-Way East. The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
“Last year was the biggest crowd I’ve played in front of in high school and we got smoked 12-1 at home,” Bennitt said. “We’re going to be calm and collected this time.
“I think it’s going to a real competitive game.”
Tenuta, a hard-throwing senior right-hander, has pitched like an ace.
But juniors Tommy Windt, Ryan Leland and Nick Skrabis and senior Erik Herold have settled in and answered the bell.
“Those guys have done a nice job,” Sandburg coach Jim Morsovillo said. “Windt and Leland have been our Nos. 2 and 3 starters. Herold and Skrabis have pitched well out of the bullpen.”
Windt held Lincoln-Way East to two runs on two hits while striking out six during Tuesday’s 4-2 win.
Two position players who double as relievers, third baseman Andrew Tenison and shortstop Branden Comia, secured the win.
Comia notched his fourth save with a perfect seventh.
He also hit a solo home run that, along with Ryan Hampe’s three-run homer, provided all the offense for the Eagles.
Top 10
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
