An early season slump resulted in senior outfielder/designated hitter Ryan Groberski bouncing in and out of the starting lineup for Lockport.
Although Groberski has been disappointed about coming off the bench in some games, he hasn’t let it impact his preparation.
“Whether I was starting or not, I just went through my same routine like always,” Groberski said. “Nothing changed, and I just kept a great mindset.
“If you go up there and you’re doubting yourself, you’re not going to perform. You just have to go up there and think about doing great things.”
Groberski broke through in a big way Monday.
The Triton recruit went 4-for-4 and drove in four runs, capping things off with a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning as host Lockport topped Andrew 7-6 in a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover.
Justin VanderTuuk went 2-for-2 with two runs and an RBI for the Porters (7-4-1, 2-0 SWSC Blue), while Joey DalPonte and Carleton recruit Reece Wellsandt each drove in a run. Heartland commit Dylan Nagle threw a scoreless top of the seventh to earn the win.
Nolan Kendall reached base three times and scored a run for Andrew (10-3, 1-2 SWSC Red). Austin Cusack and Ryan Cahill each had an RBI, while Murray State recruit Jackson Ugo went five innings, allowing five earned runs.
Lockport’s Ryan Groberski, left, celebrates his double against Andrew during a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover in Lockport on Monday, April 8, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)
Lockport rallied from a 6-4 deficit, scoring a pair of runs in the sixth. Groberski ended it, coming up with runners on first and second and one out in the bottom of the seventh and ripping a single up the middle.
“It felt amazing,” Groberski said. “I was just trying to get these guys fired up the whole time. I thought we were acting dead earlier in the game, and I was doing everything I could to get us going.”
One of the ways Groberski tried to energize his teammates was by letting out a loud scream toward the dugout after he tied the game with an RBI double in the sixth.
That was a bit out of character, according to Lockport coach Scott Malinowski.
“Ryan doesn’t usually show a lot of emotion,” Malinowski said. “You probably saw the most emotion you’re ever going to see out of him after that double.
“We feel like we kind of need that on our team. Everybody needs that vocal leader or that guy who’s going to provide that edge when it’s needed.”
Lockport Adam Kozak slides safely back into first base as Andrew’s Jack Loconte stops the throw during a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover in Lockport on Monday, April 8, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)
Groberski feels that he’s prepared to take on that role for his team.
“We’re all here to win a state championship, and we have to get one stop closer every day, get better every day,” he said. “It’s my job and all the seniors’ jobs to make sure we do that.”
Before each of his at-bats, Groberski gets introduced by Lockport’s public address announcer with his nickname, “Buck.”
“When I was 8 or 9 years old, there were like four kids named Ryan on my baseball team,” Groberski said. “I watched ‘Uncle Buck’ with my dad and then I started calling my mom ‘Buck’ just as a joke. Then they started calling me ‘Buck’ and here I am.”
The rest of the Porters were thrilled for “Buck” on Monday.
“I have a lot of trust in him,” VanderTuuk said. “I try my best to get on base and I know he’s going to bring me around.”
Lockport celebrates after defeating Andrew on a walk-off hit in the seventh inning of a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover in Lockport on Monday, April 8, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)
Lockport overcame three errors that led to four unearned runs for the Thunderbolts.
“1983 White Sox,” Malinowski said. “Winning ugly. That’s all I’ve got to say. But the heart, the character, the fight, the relentlessness. That’s been there all season.”
Groberski has displayed all those traits.
“There’s never been even an inkling of a bad attitude from him,” Malinowski said. “He just keeps working hard. He deserves that moment for staying tough, staying selfless and continuing to work every day.
“So, I’m really happy for him.”
