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In summer, Lincoln-Way Central’s Brady Rossa has homered before. But this one vs. Sandburg? ‘It meant more.’
TL;DR
Brady Rossa hit his first high school home run, a two-run shot, leading Lincoln-Way Central to a 7-4 victory over Sandburg. This moment was particularly significant for Rossa, who has worked hard to earn his spot on the team.
Key points
- Brady Rossa hit his first high school home run
- The home run was a two-run shot
- Lincoln-Way Central won 7-4 against Sandburg
- Rossa has worked hard to earn his spot in the lineup
- He plays as an infielder/outfielder
Brady RossaLincoln-Way CentralSandburg
Brady Rossa has waited a long time for his chance to shine for Lincoln-Way Central.
Rossa, a senior infielder/outfielder, was unable to crack the regular lineup last season and came into this spring unsure if he would be a starter. But he kept grinding.
“You’ve just got to be hopeful,” Rossa said. “Be aggressive. Make the most of opportunities. This is my senior year. You don’t get much baseball in your life. So, when I got a chance, I had to take advantage of it.”
Has he ever. Rossa has worked his way into the cleanup spot for the Knights.
He produced quite a memorable moment Monday afternoon, blasting his first high school home run — a two-run shot — that sparked host Lincoln-Way Central to a 7-4 SouthWest Suburban Conference win over Sandburg in New Lenox.
Luke Tingley added a three-run homer for the Knights (11-4, 4-0), while Illinois Wesleyan recruit Conor McCabe went 2-for-4 with a double and a run. Owen Novak, also an Illinois Wesleyan commit, earned the win on the mound after allowing three earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.
Rossa finished 2-for-3, chipping in with a double and scoring twice. But his towering homer to left field that gave the Knights a 3-1 lead in the third inning? That was unforgettable.
“I was sitting on the fastball and he threw it low and in and I just golf-swinged it away,” Rossa said. “It felt great off the barrel, and that feeling when all the guys are cheering for you, there’s nothing else like it.
“It was amazing. I’ve been close before. I’ve had a couple in summer ball, but it’s just different when you do it for your school, in front of all your guys. It meant more.”
Solomon Mitchell went 2-for-3 with two doubles and a run to lead Sandburg (11-5, 2-4). South Suburban College commit Aidan Barrera finished 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI and pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs.
Rossa, meanwhile, has gone from a base-running specialist to a breakout star for Lincoln-Way Central coach .
Q&A
What was Brady Rossa's achievement in the game against Sandburg?
Brady Rossa hit his first high school home run, a two-run shot, during the game.
How did Brady Rossa's performance impact Lincoln-Way Central's game?
His home run helped Lincoln-Way Central secure a 7-4 victory over Sandburg.
What challenges did Brady Rossa face before this season?
Rossa struggled to make the regular lineup last season and was uncertain about being a starter this spring.
What position does Brady Rossa play for Lincoln-Way Central?
Brady Rossa plays as an infielder and outfielder for Lincoln-Way Central.
