Minooka faced off against rival Joliet Catholic on the opening day of the 2021 IHSA high school baseball season on April 13.

Kyle Walter, Louisville commit, was the starting pitcher for the Indians. Walter threw three innings to start the game. In those three innings the Minooka defense made 4 errors that resulted in 7 runs being scored. 

“We haven’t clicked defensively yet, but it is good to know what we have to do,” Walter said.

Senior Jacob Cook came in to pitch in the fourth to replace Walter. Cook threw three innings of no-run baseball and kept the score at 7-3

Senior Brendan Valdez came into close the game pitching for the Indians. Two runners crossed home plate in the last inning to make the score 9-3.

On the hitting side for the Indians, Casey Swanson was 2-3 in the game with 2 RBI. Ivan Dahlberg, a junior, had 1 hit and an RBI to tie the game 3-3 in the bottom of the second inning.

“I think we did not play to our full potential this game,” team captain Swanson said when asked why they lost the game.

Senior Hunter Ryan also had 2 hits on the day for the Indians.

“Without errors and throwing the ball around, we are winning that game,” Ryan said. 

Only two players on the Indians roster have varsity experience. 

Head coach Jeff Petrovic said,  “Varsity baseball is much different than freshman or sophomore baseball, the game is played faster and at a higher level, and it is an adjustment that our players will have to make.”

*Ryan Norman is a member of the Minooka varsity baseball team.