Sophomore right-hander Luke Young was called up from junior varsity for Marmion’s sixth game of the season, a nonconference showdown against defending Class 1A power Ottawa Marquette.
Little did Young know, in the six weeks to follow, that he would use the opportunity to become one of Cadets’ most important pitchers.
“I heard talks about maybe pitching on varsity, but I started on JV,” Young said. “When I got the call, I was super excited. Now, I’m confident and excited to pitch more varsity games.”
Young’s latest test came against crosstown rival Aurora Central Catholic. Young worked five strong innings Monday, keeping Marmion in the game until a three-run rally in the seventh inning resulted in a 4-3 Catholic League White win.
Young struck out five and gave up only one earned run on three hits and four walks for the Cadets (17-11-1, 8-1), who pulled out the win by scoring two runs with two outs in the top of the seventh after a pop-up by Charlie Schweiner with the bases-loaded fell.
Schweiner and Michael Lio each contributed two hits for Marmion. Eddie Morvice earned the win in relief and Matt Murray came on for the save.
The big seventh squandered a solid outing from Tyler Davis, who went 5 2/3 innings before hitting his pitch count for ACC (14-12, 5-6). He struck out seven, allowing a run on three hits and five walks. Raul Gomez Jr. and Andrew Nugent each added RBI singles for the Chargers.
Young, meanwhile, has continued to impress at every opportunity for the Cadets. He built on last week’s solid win over Montini with Monday’s performance.
“Luke was great, especially being a sophomore up on varsity,” Marmion assistant coach Will Dorjath said. “He’s had a lot of opportunities to build up to this, and I think this was one of the best he’s looked.
“The first couple outings he got his feet wet, and now I think you can see he’s going to be a mainstay on this staff for years to come.”
In the offseason, Marmion was impressed by Young’s arsenal. With 16 seniors, however, varsity opportunities weren’t plentiful. After six games, though, the Cadets made the call.
And Young hasn’t looked back.
“We saw early in the offseason he had a really nice fastball,” Dorjath said. “When he really commits to that curveball, it’s really good. And just the poise on the mound, he’s a guy who wants the ball in pressure situations.
“Even as a sophomore, you can see that mental side to him that you can’t really beat.”
Young exited the game Monday down 2-1. Marmion then loaded the bases in the seventh with two outs on a fielder’s choice, a hit and a walk.
Down to his last strike, Schweiner produced the bloop that fell in between the second baseman and right fielder, and suddenly, Young was off the hook for the loss. Marmion also was in the lead.
“Put balls in play and you never know what will happen,” Dorjath said. “That’s baseball.”
ACC went from what looked like a hard-fought win to a stunning loss. It gave Davis a no-decision.
“Tyler pitched outstanding,” ACC coach Rich Swann said. “Every time he was in any kind of trouble he was able to work out of it. His off-speed stuff was dynamite, throwing it for strikes.
“He got his fastball over as well. When he pitches like that, he’s tough to hit.”
At the same time, Young felt a sense of relief when the ball dropped in during the seventh. Having passed yet another varsity test with the postseason looming, he’s ready for more.
“I’ve started to settle in and it’s become slower for me and I’m more comfortable,” Young said. “I’m excited to contribute as much as I can and do whatever I can to win games.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
