By Sean Duncan

PLAINIFIELD - If there was any pitcher in the state who could put an end to No. 5 Plainfield North’s remarkable Southwest Prairie Conference winning streak, surely it has to be Minooka ace Mike Foltynewicz. The hard-throwing right-hander has been nearly untouchable this season behind his 90-plus-mph fastball, and with a horde of pro scouts on hand Tuesday, Foltynewicz once again was nothing short of dominant.

Only one problem: Plainfield North junior Sean Renzi was just a smidge better – which meant he was close to perfect. Renzi threw a two-hit shutout with 13 strikeouts to outduel Foltynewicz 1-0 in a Southwest Prairie Conference game that lasted just under 90 minutes.

“That’s what we expect of him,” said Plainfield North coach John Darlington, whose team improved to 22-2 and 13-0 in conference. “I was real happy with the way he pitched. He was competing out there – that’s the best thing, to see him competing.”

 

After getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Renzi completely baffled Minooka (20-6, 9-4) hitters. Renzi issued three walks (two in the first inning and one intentional) and had eight punch-outs between the second and fifth innings. Renzi’s outing extended the Tigers’ incredible conference run of 37 consecutive victories, dating back to 2008 season.

 

Renzi’s fastball climbed as high as 90 mph and routinely sat at 86-88, in addition to a curveball that he located all game long. Renzi seemed completely undaunted that there were 30-plus pro scouts in attendance to watch one of the top senior right-handers in the country.

 

“All the pressure was on [Foltynewicz],” said Renzi. “All I had to do was throw strikes and get the job done for the team. I felt really good out there. My main focus was keeping the ball low and throw strikes.”

 

Said Plainfield North senior catcher Zac Pacanowski: “Sean was throwing gas today. He’s been like that all year. He’s a big-game pitcher and he stepped up again today.”

 

Renzi’s story didn’t stop with just his pitching performance; he was also the offensive hero for the Tigers. Junior center fielder Evan Whaley reached first on an error to lead off the first inning. Whaley stole second base and reached third on a passed ball. With two outs, Renzi then drove home the game’s only run by turning on a Foltynewicz 93-mph fastball.

 

“The best thing for us is to get that run early,” said Darlington. “Then at least there’s a cushion.”

 

Minooka threatened to tie the game in the seventh when the leadoff man reached on an error and advanced to second on the errant throw. A failed bunt attempt turned into a strikeout, and Renzi followed with another strikeout. The game ended on the runner getting thrown out at third base.

 

Foltynewicz (7-1), who entered the game with a 0.34 ERA, did his part for the Indians. The 6-foot-5 potential top-round draft pick allowed only three hits, struck out nine, walked none and hit two batters. The lone run was unearned.

 

“Mike certainly pitched well enough to win,” said Minooka coach Jeff Petrovic. “Actually, I thought it was his best outing of the year. …They capitalized on our mistakes and we didn’t.”