Robby Pursel is a catcher at heart. That’s the position the senior was recruited to play at Millikin, the college he committed to back in January.
But Andrew has depth behind the plate and talented junior Nolan Kendall typically starts there, so Pursel moved to first base. And he welcomed the switch.
“I think it’s super exciting, actually,” Pursel said. “It’s fun to play a new position. Nolan’s a dog. He’s amazing back there. Whatever I have to do. I can play first base. I can hold my own.”
Pursel has been solid in the field and strong at the plate all season. He had two hits for host Andrew in Wednesday’s SouthWest Suburban Conference game against Lincoln-Way West.
The game was suspended due to darkness in Tinley Park with the teams tied 1-1 through 11 innings. It was set to be completed Thursday.
Caden Kendall was dominant on the mound for eight innings. After taking a no-hitter into the sixth for Andrew (16-6, 3-6), he allowed one earned run on three hits, struck out three and did not issue a walk. Ben Reilly followed with three innings of scoreless relief.
“Caden is just a dog,” Pursel said. “He gets it done every time he’s out there. It’s amazing. Ben came in and threw great, too.”
Notre Dame recruit Michael Pettit allowed one earned run over five innings for Lincoln-Way West (18-5, 7-4). He struck out five, working around five hits, two walks and three batters hit by a pitch.
Ben Joynt and Rock Valley commit Tyler Bartley threw two and four scoreless innings, respectively, in relief. Jackson Mansker delivered an RBI double.
Pursel, meanwhile, has been a steady force as the No. 3 hitter in Andrew’s order. He’s batting .429 with 12 runs, two homers and 19 RBIs.
“Robby’s doing really good,” Caden Kendall said. “First base is a big spot for him and he plays it well. He’s been swinging the bat for us, too.”
Pursel said adjusting to first base has been pretty smooth, but it’s a tougher position to play than some people realize.
“The challenge is that you kind of have to be able to read everyone’s arms,” he said. “It’s not as easy as people think, but it’s fun.”
Andrew coach Dave DeHaan appreciates Pursel buying in. He said the senior leader is an important part of the Thunderbolts’ lineup.
“He’s a team-first guy and he’s done a great job,” DeHaan said. “We’re very fortunate that we have some really good catchers. He’s been willing to play first and really helped us there.
“He’s a senior who’s been through it and it’s huge to have him in the middle of the lineup for us. He had a great year last season and he’s continuing to have success this year.”
Andrew’s lone run Wednesday came in the fourth inning, when Caden Kendall’s single was followed by three batters being hit by a pitch.
Caden Kendall did not allow a hit against the Warriors’ talented offense until Pettit singled with two outs in the sixth inning and Mansker followed with the game-tying double.
“I just kept pounding the zone and my defense played really well,” Caden said.
The game turned into an epic one. And it’s to be continued.
“It was nuts,” Pursel said. “The energy was great. The crowd was phenomenal. The pitching was phenomenal.”
It was the kind of day that further enhances Pursel’s love for a sport he started playing when he was 4 years old.
Pursel’s mother, Margaret, is a former softball player and one of Pursel’s biggest motivators.
“My mom was huge for me,” Pursel said. “She was always out in the backyard playing catch with me. My love for the game kind of started right there.
“Now I’ll take her to the Bo (Jackson) Dome in Lockport and hit there. She’ll flip balls to me or use the machine. It’s awesome.”
