Being called up to the varsity bought some leeway for Waubonsie Valley’s Jack Roberts. Even though the sophomore left fielder knew that, the jump to a higher level was intimidating.
He started to feel like be belonged, however, when the Warriors went to Louisville for spring break.
“The first week or two was a little rough,” Roberts said. “But as I started to settle in and the season has gone on, I just got more comfortable at the plate — in the field too.
“Obviously, it’s tough being pulled up, but the guys are awesome. They’ve made it very comfortable here.”
Roberts continued to keep that Louisville momentum going Thursday. He hit his second homer of the spring as part of a six-run fifth inning as host Waubonsie rallied for a 7-4 nonconference win over Batavia in Aurora.
Ryan Lucas came through with three hits for Waubonsie (4-7), including a double, and scored twice. Scott Gillen and Parker Howland added two hits apiece.
Loukas Vatianou tallied two hits for Batavia (4-5-1), while Liam Darre and Ryan Rodriguez both recorded with RBI doubles.
But back to Roberts. Calling up a sophomore requires patience, which is why Waubonsie coach Bryan Acevedo allowed Roberts to find his way.
“He’s got some power, so we’re willing to live with him kind of figuring it out a little bit and it’s starting to come,” Acevedo said. “I think he’s going to be really good when it’s all said and done.”
When Roberts found out he was bound for varsity, he was undaunted.
“I was really motivated,” Roberts said. “I wanted to get straight to work. The guys were super supportive. It’s just a great team to be around. It meant a lot. It’s a lot of hard work I felt paid off.”
Batavia led 4-1 going into the bottom of the fifth Thursday. A dropped third strike started a six-run rally for Waubonsie. Gillen and Nate Cerilli strung together two-run singles to give the Warriors a 5-4 lead. Roberts’ two-run homer capped the rally.
More Top Picks Best Toddler Night Lights For Sleep
Considering Waubonsie’s rough start to the season, the inning was a welcomed sight.
“It just takes one,” Roberts said. “The group of guys we have, we’re all super positive. We know what we have in this program. The last two years we’ve been really good. Obviously, we’re a new team, but we know the talent we have and what we can do.
“A day like this, it’s a huge shift in what we can do. It just helps our mindset. It just looks like a win on a Thursday, but it’s huge for us.”
The rally was stunning to Batavia. Gavin McKelvie, a sophomore right-hander, was dealing before the dropped third strike changed everything.
In the first four innings, McKelvie struck out five and allowed a run on three hits and a walk.
“Gavin did a great job, filled up the zone,” Batavia coach Alex Beckmann said. “He pitched to contact. We made some plays behind him. One little opening and they took it and ran with it.”
The decision to pull Roberts up to the varsity, meanwhile, went beyond his physical traits. He was mentally ready for the jump as well.
“He’s got a bat, he’s able to put it out, but he’s a high-intent guy,” Acevedo said. “He swings with a lot of intent. That was something where I think this team needed a little more of that.
“He’s been able to fill that hole a little bit as we’ve gone along.”
Once Roberts finally broke the ice, he felt like he belonged.
“Honestly, I was just waiting for the break of that first hit,” Roberts said. “Once you get that first hit, you start to setting down and things get a lot easier.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.