Austin Paskewic has been an impactful player for four seasons, blossoming into Streamwood’s leader as his career has unfolded.
Sometimes, in a tight game, teams need their star to be the star. Sabres coach Dan Jennings never worries in those situations, however.
“He’s done that for four years,” Jennings said of Paskewic. “He’s a really good player. He’s going to Aurora (University) for a reason, and he’s going to be really good for them.”
Paskewic had his hands on the pulse of everything Tuesday afternoon for Streamwood in a comeback 5-3 Upstate Eight Conference win in eight innings at Larkin in Elgin.
He went 7 2/3 innings before reaching his pitch count and also had two hits to keep the Sabres (11-11, 7-5) in the game. He drove in a run to cut the lead to one and later scored the tying run.
Given a second chance, Streamwood rallied and earned the win for Paskewic, who struck out 12 while allowing three runs — only one earned — on six hits and a pair of walks.
Conner Flynn, Casey Nosek, Paskewic and Josh Zamora all had RBIs for Streamwood.
Paskewic was recruited by AU to play third base and catch, but it was his pitching Tuesday that sparked the Sabres. After a sluggish start, he settled in, notching 10 strikeouts in a five-inning stretch.
“I was missing with the off-speed and had to rely on the fastball,” Paskewic said. “They were just catching the fastball early. Once I started getting the breaking ball in the zone, it didn’t feel like they had a chance.”
Antonio Ventura also pitched well for Larkin (2-20, 1-9). He struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks. He added two hits, including a double.
Paskewic seemed to get stronger as the day went on, something that Larkin coach Niko Morado noticed as well.
“He pounded the zone, especially late in the game,” Morado said. “When pitchers usually start getting tired and start throwing more balls, he stayed locked in, so credit to him.”
While his pitching kept Streamwood alive, Paskewic got the game to extra innings with his bat.
Jennings pointed out that Paskewic has been scuffling at the plate lately, so his RBI double to score Adan Rojas, cutting the lead to one, was a welcomed sight.
“It did feel nice,” Paskewic said. “I think I kind of got in my head a little bit. I feel like I was getting under the ball a little too much and maybe I was trying to do too much.
“I feel like I settled in. I was more behind the baseball, staying through it. It felt way different.”
In college, Jennings knows that Paskewic’s bat will dictate his playing time.
After watching Paskewic perform for four varsity seasons, Jennings also knows it’s in there. He hopes Tuesday’s hit unlocks something for the rest of the season.
“He’s hit a bit of a skid this year in terms of swinging it, but he saw it well today,” Jennings said. “I think that confidence is going to run into West Chicago tomorrow.”
Paskewic has followed Nick Weaver behind the plate for the Sabres.
Weaver, an Elgin Community College standout, was named the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference’s player of the year on Tuesday. He’s committed to Eastern Michigan.
Paskewic credited Weaver’s influence in helping guide him on his path to college baseball.
“Not only my defensive capabilities back there but being a field general,” Paskewic said. “That’s progressed a lot. I can be a force to help the defense play better, get outs when we need them.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
