Imagine you’re in a boxing ring. A strong overhand right can do some major damage. Add in some left hooks, and you’re in for a long night.
Matt Litwicki and Joe Graziano are not pugilists, but they do provide the one-two punch for Lake Central’s starting pitching rotation. Litwicki, a right-hander, committed to Indiana University in the summer before his sophomore year. Graziano, a lanky lefty, has garnered interest from Villanova University and Valparaiso University.
The duo has helped lead the DAC-champion Indians to a 22-3 (12-2 DAC) record in the regular season. Litwicki, an All-Conference pitcher, says he enjoys the weight of the team on his right arm.
“I knew I wanted to start pitching when I started to like being put under pressure,” he said. “When you pitch, everyone stares and waits to see how you will do. It’s fun to be under all that pressure.”
Earlier this season, the pitchers contributed to something previously unheard of: a streak of 62 ⅔ consecutive scoreless innings. Graziano, the DAC’s Most Valuable Pitcher, threw 40 ⅔ of those innings.
“During the offseason, I worked for this,” he said. “It’s showing on the field because I am more mature and confident in myself and my abilities.”
Both juniors are quick to praise the man behind the magic, pitching coach Brett Summers. Litwicki described Summers as the older brother he never had.
“He’s helped me to develop the mindset of a pitcher and not just another guy who throws the ball,” Litwicki said. “We’ve become really close over these past couple years, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have a coach like him.”
The presence of an adult figure is important, but the young men also push each other to succeed.
“We push each other in multiple ways,” Graziano said. “Whether it’s pitchers’ fielding practice or running after our starts, we always compete in a friendly rivalry.”
If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Batters beware: these Indians are ready to throw.