South Elgin vs. Bartlett: A Pitching Battle for the Ages

Spring brought a new challenge for Jonathan Niksich, a junior at South Elgin. His season started with difficulties despite the promise of more opportunities. It took a shift in mindset to change his course. “The beginning was a struggle and I decided to stop thinking,” Niksich explained. “Just play the game.” This approach transformed him into a key pitcher for the Storm.

On Wednesday, against Bartlett, he was needed as never before. The Upstate Eight Conference title hung in the balance. In an intense duel, the game paused after 14 innings scoreless due to darkness. Niksich stepped in after ace Zacharia Barkho completed eight innings. Barkho struck out 13 and allowed two hits and a walk before reaching his pitch limit.

Niksich followed suit, delivering six innings of relief, striking out 11, and yielding just two hits and two walks. Alex Muro added two hits for South Elgin, which stands at 23-9 for the season. Meanwhile, Bartlett, marked at 22-10, responded with a strong pitching effort as Brandon Pelz, Aiden Mertes, and Joe Kennedy combined for 14 shutout innings. They struck out 12, allowing five hits and three walks. Josh Colaizzi and Mason Leiterman each had a single and a double.

The game mirrored emotions and intensity with no team pushing beyond third base, except Barkho. Niksich was inspired by Barkho’s performance in his final high school game against Bartlett. “I just knew I was going to have his back,” Niksich stated. “He passed the energy back down to me. I had the confidence and the energy. That was the main reason. It’s probably the best game I’ve played.”

South Elgin coach David Palmer did not hesitate to keep Niksich on the mound. “Johnny was unbelievable,” Palmer noted. “He wants that ball and he wants that moment.” The dynamic between the starters Barkho and Pelz was electric. “I love playing Bartlett,” Barkho said. “It was awesome. Every time I looked at him, even when I was in the box, I was smiling.” This tension filled the game, with Pelz matching Barkho for six innings. Bartlett coach Alex Coan shared his thoughts, “We trust him in big moments like that. Two of the best pitchers in our conference. I expected it to be a dogfight.”

Coach Palmer appreciated the game’s intensity from his side. “You can’t beat it,” he remarked. In the fourth inning, he commented to his team, “Let’s just get Zach one.” They believed one run might secure the win considering the weather and the pitching strength. “Their energy, our energy, back-and-forth. We’ll keep doing it again until we get a winner.”

Niksich approached his relief opportunity without nerves. “I practiced for this,” he mentioned. “I knew I was ready for this moment. I just kept my energy.” Coach Palmer admired how Niksich evolved through the season, culminating in this standout performance. “He wants to work quick,” Palmer observed. “He dominates. He trusts himself and his defense. My better is better than your better, so I’m going to go after you 100%. It’s fun to watch.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.