Senior first baseman Jack Starcevich walked into the perfect setup for T.F. South.
After Tyler Earmsmuth preceded him by getting into scoring position, Starcevich stepped into the batter’s box as the cleanup hitter for the Red Wolves. And that usually means one thing.
“Every time he gets on, we are that spark-plug duo in the lineup,” Starcevich said of his batting bond with Earmsmuth, a senior outfielder, “I’m automatically looking for the first pitch to hit.
“That’s what I got — and that’s what I did.”
Starcevich did a bunch Thursday afternoon for T.F. South, going 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs in a 7-2 victory over host Evergreen Park in a South Suburban Conference crossover game.
His RBI double in the first inning provided the spark that the Red Wolves (21-12, 14-5) needed. Earmsmuth also added an RBI double. Senior infielder Moises Mata hit a two-run homer.
Making his first career start, sophomore Benny Gutierrez (2-1) pitched a complete game for T.F. South, striking out four and allowing just five hits.
Senior catcher Tyler Kummer contributed an RBI for Evergreen Park (24-10, 10-9).
Starcevich, a Moraine Valley commit, is a three-year starter for the Red Wolves. He has been a foundational piece who understands what’s expected of him on a daily basis.
“I think at this point of the year, there hasn’t been too much pressure on me,” Starcevich said. “On that double, I was just waiting on that pitch. He threw a fastball and I was expecting it.
“My team has faith in me to produce, and that’s usually what I end up doing.”
Earmsmuth said the two have been playing since age 8 in Little League.
“We’re the energy of the team, and Jack is always going to do whatever it takes to win,” Earmsmuth said. “I’m always looking to score when I get on with him coming up.
“He never takes bad pitches, goes deep into the counts. Just always makes a play up there.”
Indeed, Starcevich showcases poise at the plate and a natural swing.
“Jack sees the game the way you want a senior to see it,” T.F. South coach Matt Tiffy said. “He’s been seeing the ball, swinging the bat well the whole year. The way Jack goes is the way we go.
“He’s able to make sure that we are peaking at the right time.”
Starcevich was introduced to the game early by his father, Mark, who played a couple of years in college at South Suburban.
“When I think about the game and my love for it, I just think of baseball as always there for me,” he said. “Even with other sports or hobbies, I think baseball is always going to be a part of my life.
“Even if I’m not going to play it, I can watch it or hopefully coach in the future.”
The parts all flow together.
And Starcevich’s place in the batting order gives him a natural confidence.
”I think my favorite part about being on this team is just being a role model for the younger guys,” Starcevich said. ”When I was a freshman or sophomore, I really looked up to those people.
“I realize now that I have more of an impact.”
The past and present are joined together as Starcevich completes the final week of his last regular season. The Red Wolves begin the state playoffs on May 23 with a regional semifinal at Andrew.
“I’m just keeping in my mind this is my last year,” he said. “I have to do whatever I can and stay consistent. I’ve been around the game long enough to know I never want the other guy to win.
“I want to win.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
