Making his varsity debut a year ago as a sophomore, St. Laurence pitcher Jimmy Benson snuck up on teams.
Even though that’s hard to do for a 6-8 lefty with a bit of sidearm-throwing technique that’s difficult to pick up.
But there Benson was, emerging as an ace on a deep pitching staff, winning 10 games with 72 strikeouts in 57 innings and a sub-1.00 earned-run average as the Vikings won the Class 3A state title.
This year, that surprise factor is gone, and Benson’s loving the challenge.
He picked up the win on May 23 with six solid innings on the mound as St. Laurence defeated Sandburg 10-3 to win the Do It Stevie’s Way Tournament at Ozinga Field.
It was the Vikings’ second straight title in the event, which honors the legacy of late Mount Carmel player Steve Bajenski.
“Pretty much no one really knew me. I wasn’t a hard thrower,” Benson said. ”I wasn’t all that. Guys know who I am now and what I’m going to throw. It changes my approach with them. I’m throwing more offspeed in the zone. I was feeling good today.”
Benson, a TCU commit, gave up three runs on seven hits with a hit batter and five strikeouts.
Seniors Orlando Vazquez (four RBIs, two hits), Danny Donovan (two RBIs, two runs) and Cory Les (three runs) and sophomore Jacob Hite (two runs) led a balanced attack.
Sandburg was led by senior Dominic Diamond (RBI, run, single) and junior Quinn Durkin (RBI, two singles).
Benson gave up a run in the second and two in the third.
From there though, he was back on track in dominant fashion, only allowing two singles over the final three innings.
“I was getting behind batters,” Benson said. “They kept putting balls in play. I wanted to get ahead, and it goes well for me. That’s all I’ve got to do to be successful.”
Emerging as an ace with then-junior John Strzechowski last year, Benson pitched in some huge games for the Vikings, including the DISW title game and the state semifinal.
Big game? Benson wants it.
“I don‘t like anything more than pitching on the biggest stage,” Benson said. “When our schedule came out, I wanted the IMG game. I want those bigger games.”
Benson’s start against Sandburg was his first time on the mound in almost two weeks.
“I felt really good actually,” Benson said. “I hadn’t thrown in awhile, but I got some rest and felt good.”
In the tournament semifinals, the Vikings faced Lyons and Jack Slightom, a Cincinnati recruit and an MLB Draft prospect who throws in the mid to upper 90s.
Coach Pete Lotus said he loves the challenge of the tournament, especially as a prep for the state playoffs.
“It means a lot to win here. It’s hard,” Lotus said. “There are so many good teams and the structure of tournament, where you’re playing in between conference games or long weeks — it’s tough. Credit to our guys for fighting through a lot. That’s what we love most. It helps prepare you for what’s coming up.”
Les, a Louisville recruit, was named St. Laurence’s Do It Stevie’s Way award winner, an honor given to a player who plays the sport the right way. He also threw a perfect inning in the seventh in relief of Benson.