Junior outfielder Peyton Globke has emerged as Lincoln-Way West’s go-to guy off the bench. Warriors coach Jake Zajc will often save him for the right moment, bringing him in to pinch hit in a big situation.
Globke does everything he can to be prepared for the moment, staying focused mentally and making sure to remain in gear physically — especially on cold early season days.
“Coach always tells me to be ready for those moments,” Globke said. “I’m just running up and down to keep my body warm, swinging in between innings, just staying loose.
“Just got to stay ready for it all the time.”
Globke answered the call Friday, delivering a go-ahead two-run double in his lone at-bat to spark the host Warriors to an 8-2 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Lincoln-Way East in New Lenox.
Illinois-Chicago recruit Lucas Acevedo threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings in relief to earn the win for Lincoln-Way West (10-0, 2-0). He struck out five and allowed just two hits while also contributing an RBI and a run offensively.
Carson Paulas also went 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI for the Warriors. Kentucky recruit Conor Essenburg finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Rocco Triolo went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI, while Lewis recruit Jaden Henry doubled and scored for Lincoln-Way East (9-2, 2-1). Starting pitcher Jack Tamer allowed just one run and struck out five over three-plus innings.
The Griffins held a 2-0 lead until the Warriors put up six runs in the fourth. After Paulas’ RBI double got Lincoln-Way West on the board, Globke came up with runners on second and third and one out.
Since Globke’s chances to hit often occur in key moments, he’s got his approach down pat.
“Just taking a deep breath in during each pitch, not letting the moment get to me and just staying calm,” Globke said.
Globke ripped a two-run double down the left field line to give the Warriors the lead.
Just what Zajc was looking for.
“We rely on Peyton for that,” Globke said. “He’s one of our offensive players who’s been in the mix and we told him to stay ready any time (Friday). I was really happy for him and happy for us that he came through. That was a good two-strike hit and kind of broke it open for us.”
Globke is happy to play his role, whatever that may be, on a team loaded with talent.
“You’ve got to always support the team, no matter whether you’re sitting or not,” he said. “Then when you get a chance in a big moment like that, obviously you’ve got to take advantage of it every time.
“It felt really good to come through. Carson got us started us off pretty well and then my hit definitely kept us going.”
Acevedo took care of the rest, shutting down the Griffins late.
Starting the game at shortstop, Acevedo was sure to develop a scouting report in his head in case he was needed on the mound.
“When I’m in relief, whether we’re down or up, I’m attacking everybody,” he said. “I’ve seen in the field what the hitters can do, what they can handle, what they’re looking for, and I come in with a plan to attack.
“As a starter, you don’t really get all of that.”
The Warriors have thrived with their depth, having both a high number of arms they can rely on as well as a plethora of hitters capable of being the hero on any given day.
This time, it was Globke who delivered the biggest hit.
Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, Globke is always having a blast.
“Eight years ago, I quit soccer and started playing baseball and I’ve been all baseball since,” he said. “I love it. It’s fun. I like to think I’m decent at it and I just have fun all the time.”
