Hannah Wiesnoski trusts her stuff and her teammates, even when things don’t go as planned.
The Deerfield softball pitcher threw a great game in the Warriors’ 8-3 win against Vernon Hills on April 20. A senior right-hander, Wiesnoski allowed just two hits while striking out nine and giving up no walks.
“Most proud of the no walks,” said Wiesnoski, a third-year varsity pitcher. “I’m very happy with that.”
Although Wiesnoski was in control for most of the game, she had to shake off early miscues and a sleepy offense.
Vernon Hills scored twice in the second inning after both runners reached base due to errors. The Cougars still led 2-0 when Deerfield came to the plate in the top of the fifth, but there was no panic in the Warriors’ dugout. Wiesnoski was superb, and the offense was bound to come around.
“I was like, ‘It’s getting late, it’s the fifth inning, let’s go,'” coach Susan Johnson said.
In the fifth, the bats came alive. Junior shortstop Jamie Jones initiated the rally with a base hit. A domino effect ensued, and the Warriors scored five in the inning. Senior second baseman Elizabeth Johnson knocked in two runs. Wiesnoski contributed with a base hit in the inning.
Wiesnoski was 2-for-4 against Vernon Hills and has been a productive hitter, but a big reason Deerfield won 11 of its first 15 games this spring is her excellence in the circle.
“She’s like a rock. Everything starts with the pitcher,” Jones said. “When she does great, everyone will do great.”
“If we are going anywhere, Hannah will take us,” Susan Johnson added.
Though many pitchers can succeed with command of one pitch, and many good pitchers have two go-to options, Wiesnoski has three: fastball, screwball and changeup.
Susan Johnson said Wiesnoski reaches the low 60s with her fastball, and pitch movement makes life even more difficult for opposing batters.
“My fastball and screwball rise a lot. Combined with my speed, it makes it difficult for hitters,” Wiesnoski said. “I know my ball moves. It may not always move where I want it to, but it moves.”
Because her pitches zig and zag so much, hitters often swing and miss. But if they make contact, Wiesnoski is confident an out will occur.
“I trust my defense. I trust them wholeheartedly,” Wiesnoski said. “Jamie is so secure on those gap balls, and when it goes up in the air or on the ground, I know my defense will grab it.”
Wiesnoski is one of nine seniors for the Warriors this spring. Third baseman Halle Mangurten is an impact freshman, but this is a veteran team that knows how to win.
If the Warriors plan to win the Central Suburban North and a Class 4A regional title, they will ride Wiesnoski’s right arm.
“She’s our bread and butter on the mound,” Susan Johnson said.
Jon J. Kerr is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press