Strong finish last year brings new hope

Updated: March 30, 2011 3:06PM

After nearly ending defending Class 4A state champion Naperville Central's postseason run before it could gain any traction last May, Benet Academy will look to turn the page quickly in 2011.

Turning the page might be easier considering how well Benet played near the end of the spring.

Victories over Brother Rice and eventual Class 4A runner-up St. Rita came in the last week of the regular season before the Redwings battled Naperville Central to a tie game into the sixth inning before eventually losing 4-3.

"We're right there. I think, with our schedule, we go into every game knowing we can compete with anybody," Benet coach Jeff Bonebrake said. "I would say it's in some of the kids' minds and how close we were to not only winning a regional but beating the No. 1 team in the state with arguably the best pitcher in the state (Shane Conlon) that day on the mound. I think our kids think that they can play with anybody on any given day. We just have to play well."

Needing to replace the entire starting rotation from last season - which included left-handers Pat Callahan, Jake Norton and Scott Dawson - another lefty, junior Chris Sanderson, will be looked upon to lead the staff.

"It's probably as little mound experience that we've had back for a while," Bonebrake said. "Really, you look at the kid who's had the most innings coming back, Chris Sanderson. He just pitched a few times for us as a sophomore last year. So that's gonna be a big question mark going into the season."

Going up against No. 2 Downers Grove South in Benet's season opener on March 21, he took the loss despite only giving up three runs and striking out five in his three innings.

Finding depth behind Sanderson is going to be critical. Sophomore Pat McInerney was going to be counted on to be the Redwings' No. 2 starter but he's dealing with some back issues after starting at forward on Benet's basketball team.

Third baseman Connor Reilly, who was second on the team with a .330 average and third in RBIs with 21, is gone via graduation. Offensive leadership will likely be provided by senior shortstop Nick Moore, who hit .404 with 30 RBIs in 2010 and has committed to Missouri, senior center fielder R.J. Gatto, junior third baseman Sam Santa Maria and McInerney.

Moore, the University of Chicago-bound Gatto and senior catcher Matt Dorsett will carry the heavy offensive load until Santa Maria and McInerney return from injuries.

Santa Maria, who hit .297 and recorded 16 RBIs as a sophomore last year, is on the shelf until May with a shoulder injury and Bonebrake is unsure of when McInerney, who doubles as a first baseman, will return.

However, one thing Bonebrake is sure of is that the offense must improve in order for the Redwings to compete for their first East Suburban Catholic Conference title since 2006.

"We're gonna have to definitely hit a lot better than we did last year," he said. "We hit .283 as a team last year and that's just not gonna cut it for us with our schedule."

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