Ben Auer, a player from St. Charles North, found himself in the spotlight this spring as an ace pitcher. The team lost their top two pitchers, Keaton Reinke and Matt Ritchie, creating an urgent need for a lead pitcher. Auer embraced this challenge and grew into the role throughout the season. “I’ve embraced it throughout the year,” Auer stated. “The confidence has continued to build with each outing.”
In Saturday’s Class 4A St. Charles North Regional championship against South Elgin, Auer delivered a standout performance. He struck out seven batters without issuing a walk, spreading five hits and allowing just one run in five innings. This helped St. Charles North secure a 3-2 victory. Auer also excelled at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs. His teammate Ty Gleason contributed with two hits, including a double. Reed Raczka tripled and scored twice, while Josh Kobylinski retired the final five batters to earn the save. St. Charles North now faces Huntley next in the McHenry Sectional semifinals.
Zacharia Barkho matched Auer’s performance for South Elgin, striking out seven in six innings, with two earned runs on seven hits and a walk. Alex Muro provided two hits and an RBI.
Last season, Auer was a less frequent pitcher, but his skills did not go unnoticed by St. Charles North coach Todd Genke. “He stepped up big time,” Genke said. “Last year, we pitched him a few times, and he just wasn’t the guy. But he was great and all-conference in the outfield. This year, he came to me and said, ‘Coach, I’ll step up. It’s my turn.’ And he delivered.”
With Auer as the ace, the team felt more relaxed and focused. Kobylinski, a teammate, remarked, “He brought us all together. Someone had to step up, and he allowed others to take on clear roles.”
South Elgin took an aggressive stance early in the game, which aided Auer in keeping his pitch count low. He stranded four runners in the first four innings but faced challenges in the fifth. Muro’s RBI single reduced the deficit to 3-1, but Auer responded with a strikeout to end the threat, transferring responsibilities to the bullpen.
Auer reflected on his performance, feeling grateful for the opportunity to pitch. “It’s a great feeling,” he said. “I knew after Wednesday I had to get my mind right and focus on my strengths.” Watching Kobylinski close the game was also reassuring. “Koby has been reliable all year,” Auer said. “We trust him to finish the job.”
Despite falling behind early, South Elgin coach David Palmer appreciated his team’s determination. “We knew a few runs could turn the game with the wind and both teams’ pitching,” Palmer commented. Auer, motivated by last year’s loss to South Elgin, expressed satisfaction in winning this time. “They beat us last year, so this win felt particularly good,” he said. “We’re excited to continue on Wednesday.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.