In recent weeks, two-way sophomore standout Cooper Johnson had been limited to just one way of contributing for Lincoln-Way East.
Johnson had been serving as the team’s designated hitter, but the right-hander had not pitched since May 9 due to an elbow injury.
Returning to the mound with the season on the line, he wasn’t worried about the layoff.
“I went in there with confidence like I always do and felt the way I always do,” Johnson said. “I just wanted to attack and make them put it in play.”
Johnson’s comeback went much better than anyone could have anticipated. He threw five no-hit innings to lead the Griffins to a 3-0 win over Lincoln-Way Central in a Class 4A Lincoln-Way West Sectional semifinal in New Lenox.
Johnson struck out three on his way to the win and had just one batter reach base against him via an error. It ended up being a combined one-hitter for top-seeded Lincoln-Way East (28-10) as Jake Tamer threw the final two innings for the save.
Lincoln-Way East coach John McCarthy was thrilled with how ready Johnson was for the big game.
“Cooper did a great job,” McCarthy said. “He deserves all the credit. He was outstanding and he kept attacking the zone.”
Johnson also singled and scored, while Roosevelt recruit Danny Mackey III delivered a two-run single and Tyler Hudik added a single, a walk and a run for the Griffins, who will play at 11 a.m. Saturday in the sectional final against Providence (26-12), a 2-1 semifinal winner over Stagg on a walk-off homer by Enzo Infelise with two outs in the bottom of the seventh.
Toledo recruit Liam Arsich had the lone hit for fourth-seeded Lincoln-Way Central (21-11). Xavier commit Luke Mensik threw 3 2/3 strong innings in relief, allowing one earned run on two hits.
Johnson, though, was in total control, getting through five innings in just 50 pitches.
“First game back, it was all about efficiency,” he said. “I got the job done without throwing a lot of pitches. It felt good.”
Johnson knew he was on a pitch count in his first start since the injury, so he was not upset to be pulled out of the game with a no-hitter.
“I actually told them to take me out,” Johnson said. “We had Tamer ready in the bullpen and I knew he’d shut it down for us.”
Johnson said he felt good despite the time off. His biggest concern was whether he would be able to control his pitches.
“I knew it was going to be hard to locate my stuff the first game,” Johnson said. “But I had it pretty well.”
Mackey, for one, was impressed.
“He was awesome,” Mackey said of Johnson. “His first game back. He was unbelievable, man. He’s going to be good. He’s going to be very good.”
Mackey, meanwhile, provided all the run support Johnson would need.
Batting eighth in the order, he came up with runners on second and third and two outs in the second inning. Mackey worked an eight-pitch at-bat, fouling off a pair of two-strike pitches before ripping a two-run single up the middle.
“It was huge,” Mackey said. “We only scored one more run after that, so if that doesn’t happen, it’s a totally different ballgame. It’s all about preparation in that situation.
“I haven’t been swinging it well lately, but I’ve been putting in extra work every day, and that’s exactly what I’ve been working for.”
The same goes for Johnson, who has emerged as the Griffins’ cleanup hitter and one of their top pitchers in his first varsity season.
The sophomore was ready for the challenge.
“It’s just a mindset thing,” Johnson said. “No skill-related things are going to change. You just have to have the same confidence every outing, no matter who you’re playing against.”
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