Wet field conditions cost Evanston Township High School’s baseball team another chance to play its home opener Tuesday, despite sunny, 65-degree weather.
But the Wildkits are well on their way to earning the nickname “road warriors” by thriving no matter where they play.
The Kits whipped Vernon Hills 14-1 in a Central Suburban League crossover contest and will try again to play their home opener on Wednesday versus Andrew. The lack of a home field advantage – poor drainage at the ETHS field prevents them from even practicing much there – hasn’t kept Coach Frank Consiglio’s crew from winning 8 of their first 11 games so far in 2024.
Tuesday’s contest was switched to Vernon Hills’ artificial turf field at the last minute, and while Consiglio appreciates the fact that the Cougars stepped up to host – and that Northwestern University has been a good neighbor by making its field available for some March games – nothing beats “home, sweet home,” if you ask the veteran ETHS coach.
Evanston’s stadium might not be a Field of Dreams like in the movie, but it’s definitely better than nothing but bus rides.
Just wait until the Wildkits actually find their comfort zone at home, too.
“We spent a lot of time talking to the kids about the home opener all week, about how all of the games we’ve played so far help you prepare from Day 1 for the CSL schedule, and how we want to be playing at a certain level for these games,” Consiglio said.
“Then we can’t play on our field. Baseball players are notorious for having a set routine, and for them to pivot like that and come here and score seven runs in the first inning was really, really good. I’m so proud of them. They put this game away in the first inning.
“They’ve turned this into a challenge, another hurdle for them to overcome. It’s a good group that’s still learning how to win games and this (situation) pushes you to focus even more.”
Senior Thomas Ferguson went 3-for-3 with four runs batted in, three runs scored and a stolen base while a trio of Evanston pitchers combined to pitch a three-hitter Tuesday in a contest that was cut short by the slaughter rule.
Starter Eron Vega struck out 5 of the 10 batters he faced and relievers McHenry Mason and Noah Cryns finished off the win, the sixth in the last seven games for the Wildkits.
“I really like the way our pitching staff is challenging people, even when they get behind in the count,” Consiglio said. “And then, when they get back in the count, they’re putting people away. You really have to put some good swings on the ball if you’re going to beat us. They don’t give in and walk you.”
Walks helped the Wildkits pile up seven runs against Vernon Hills left-hander Ethan Zbylut in the first frame. He issued four free passes and hit two batters, and both designated hitter Ferguson (bases loaded single) and Vega (RBI double) made him pay for his wild spell.
Ferguson delivered a two-run double in the second and added a single to start a three-run rally in the fourth for the winners.
“If anything, Fergy is one of those guys we’ve been under-playing. He was just awesome today, and he hasn’t done anything wrong (to keep him out of the lineup),” acknowledged the coach. “We all know that we need to get him some more opportunities. He’s a versatile kid and he’s confident with the bat. We know we’re going to need everyone once conference play starts.”
Evanston is scheduled to play another crossover game Thursday at Niles West.