Youthful Andrew seeks consistency

Updated: April 7, 2011 4:04PM

Andrew has been somewhat inconsistent, winning four of its first seven games.

The growing pains were expected, however, according to coach Dave DeHaan.

"We're young," DeHaan said. "There are a lot of new faces in the lineup. But the guys keep working hard and are showing improvement."

The T-bolts should be able to generate runs, with leadoff man Nick DeBenedetti, No. 3 hitter Pat Elget and second baseman Phil Bria possessing the most experience.

The T-bolts are somewhat thin on the mound. Senior Dan Truesdale leads a staff that has considerable potential.

"They're coming along," DeHaan said of his staff. "It's just a matter of getting some experience."

Kalisz expected back

Outfielder Sean Kalisz is expected to return to St. Rita's lineup sometime this week. The senior has been sidelined thus far this season because of a back injury.

Pitcher/first baseman Joey Filomeno, however, still is at least three weeks away from returning from a similar back issue.

"Getting Sean back is going to be a big shot in the arm for us," St. Rita coach Mike Zunica said. "He brings a lot to the table. Joey is coming along. We're looking forward to competing with our full team."

‘Zim' getting hot

After a slow start, Andrew graduate Jeff Zimmerman is heating up at Northern Illinois. The freshman is hitting .321 with a team-high three home runs and 18 RBI.

"He's really coming around," NIU coach Ed Mathey said. "He's hit some balls extremely hard. We're really excited about his future."

Zych lights-out at Louisville

Another former high school star enjoying success at the collegiate level is St. Rita grad Tony Zych at Louisville.

The junior right-hander, with a fastball in the upper 90s (mph) and slider in the mid 80s, is 0-1 with seven saves and a 2.92 ERA. He's walked four and struck out 12 over 121/3 innings.

"His stuff is electric," Louisville coach Dan McDonnell said. "This is his first season as a full-time closer. He's maturing and growing as a pitcher. He's only going to get better."

Beyond this season, in all likelihood Zych's development will occur at the professional ranks. He's projected to be chosen anywhere from the first to third round of June's amateur draft.

"He's a star," McDonnell said. "There are a small percentage of guys in the world with the type of stuff Tony has."

Hauge dominant at Hartland

Homewood-Flossmoor graduate Aaron Hauge has been nearly unhittable at Heartland Community College.

The freshman lefty, who garnered All-Area honor twice, is 3-0 with a 1.08 ERA. Over 25 innings, he's walked just five and struck out 44.

Hauge recently was named NJCAA Division II Player of the Week.

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