Yorkville Christian’s Cody Hazzard is a young man of many nicknames.
Most prominently, the senior right-hander is referred to by coach Sean Bieterman as “The Duke” in tweets about his accomplishments.
Despite the fact the famous TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard” aired three decades ago, Hazzard understands the reference.
“All my life,” he said. “I’ve been called Hazardous, The Duke. I’ve even been referenced to Wild Thing from the ‘Major League’ movie because I wear goggles on the mound.”
Whatever you want to call him, Hazard has been nothing but dominant for the Mustangs.
Hazzard is 4-3 with a 2.74 ERA, which might seem pedestrian as a pitcher, but the underlying numbers tell a different story. The Missouri S&T recruit has a staggering 79 strikeouts in only 38 1/3 innings, averaging more than two an inning.
It’s more than just overwhelming hitters, according to Bieterman.
“There are guys who can throw the ball by guys,” Bieterman said. “He’s really done a good job this year of using his secondary pitches to set up his fastball. It’s next-level stuff.”
In particular, Hazzard loves his change-up. It’s often the hardest pitch to master, and also the pitch Bieterman is hesitant to call unless the batter has shown he can catch up to Hazzard’s high-80s fastball.
“That pitch is nasty,” Hazzard said. “I throw it when I play catch to get used to it. The first time through (the order) I throw a good amount of fastballs to see how they are handling it.
“The change-up can be deadly. If you can master that pitch, it’s something. It has great movement. I started working on the grip, and the next thing you know, it becomes natural.”
Bieterman knows developing that pitch will help not only in the postseason, which began Monday, but when Hazzard gets to college.
“He’s throwing the ball by guys early in the game,” Bieterman said. “That won’t be the case in college. He’s very good with his change-up. He wants to throw it more, and as he advances as a pitcher into his collegiate career, that will be a go-to.”
Making the strikeouts more remarkable is the fact Hazzard just started pitching three years ago. Now, he’s poised to pitch in college.
“It’s been quite an adventure, I’d say,” Hazzard said. “I got lessons and started getting good at it and kept working at it. All the work has paid off the past two years.
“This will make a huge impact on my future.”
Down to the wire: The Upstate Eight Conference race, as could have been expected, comes down to this week’s two games between rivals Bartlett and South Elgin.
South Elgin comes in with a one-game lead over Bartlett and Streamwood. The Storm can win the title outright by sweeping the two games.
If Bartlett can steal one and Streamwood takes care of business against Fenton, it could be a three-way tie.
“We still have a chance,” Streamwood coach Dan Jennings said. “Those Bartlett boys need to do a job for us.”
Regardless of how it plays out, the Sabres have shown they belong.
“I feel like we’re turning the corner to be in the top echelon in this conference,” Jennings said. “The guys see all the work paying off.”
As for the series between Bartlett and South Elgin, Storm coach Jim Kating has seen it before.
“It doesn’t matter if someone is really bad or really good, it’s just a neighborhood block fight,” Kating said.
Ledbetter rules: With the Class 1A and 2A postseason beginning this week, it’s time to pay attention to the season being put together by Hinckley-Big Rock’s Martin Ledbetter.
Ledbetter missed some games early in the season, but through 18 games, he’s hitting .518 with 26 runs, seven doubles, a triple, 10 homers and 31 RBIs.
After an 0-9 start to the season, the red-hot Royals (14-11) are heading into the postseason on the right track.
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.