The stakes were much higher Saturday, but Colin Kornit’s entrance into the Class 3A state championship game wasn’t much different for him.
As Grayslake Central’s most versatile pitcher, the senior left-hander isn’t always sure what the circumstances will be when his number is called.
“It’s about always being ready,” Kornit said. “You have to get ready every day like you’re going to pitch — stay in shape, make the right choices pregame, treat every day like it’s going to be your last outing.”
Kornit’s appearance Saturday was his last in a Grayslake Central uniform. Although it ended with the Rams’ 7-2 loss to Nazareth at Duly Health & Care Field in Joliet in their first-ever state championship game, Kornit’s left arm played a big role in the proceedings.
He was tapped to relieve starter Chris Rogers in the bottom of the second inning with the bases loaded and two outs, and the Rams (33-8) were already down 3-0. Kornit needed to put out the fire quickly to keep his team in the game against the defending state champion Roadrunners (34-6), and he did that by striking out Louisville recruit Nick Drtina.
“I was just ready to get outs,” Kornit said. “I knew I’d have all my guys behind me and I could empty the gas tank on the one hitter and focus on him. I’m thankful I got the job done in that situation.”
That’s been a recurring theme for Kornit (6-1), no matter the situation. He led the Rams with 18 appearances and was third in innings pitched with 37, and he had a 2.08 ERA with 57 strikeouts before Saturday. He allowed four runs in 3 ? innings against Nazareth.
“Here it is. Hit it if you can,” Grayslake Central coach Troy Whalen said of Kornit’s mentality on the mound. “He attacks. He’s a little bulldog. He’s a fun kid to coach because he wants to pitch every day. On days when he’s not pitching, he’s throwing in the pen. He’ll throw every day.”
Kornit can’t quite do that, but when he does make it to the mound, he brings a substantial chip on his shoulder, largely due to his 5-foot-7, 140-pound frame.
“I’m obviously of smaller stature, so I’ve always wanted to prove myself,” he said. “Ever since I was little, I’ve had to outwork every single hitter I’ve faced. I just want to prove who I am and have them say, ‘That lefty was really throwing.’ That’s how I’ve always been — to show that my size doesn’t hold me back.”
Kornit, who will pitch at the College of Lake County, has even come to realize that being lower to the ground has its advantages.
“I think my height helps me have good mechanics,” Kornit said. “I’ve had college coaches tell me that the change-up is a good pitch for my size because it starts at a lower level and falls off the table. Same with my curve. It starts on a straight line and falls off lower.
“Smaller guys sometimes move better, too, than some of these bigger guys that are still growing into their height.”
The bulldog mentality that Whalen referenced was seconded by shortstop Sam Cooper. Kornit’s level of aggressiveness is a big reason his insertion into the tough spot Saturday wasn’t something to fret.
“Colin’s been our guy all year to shut things down,” Cooper said. “We knew what we were going to get from him there because he’s always ready when his number is called. He just goes up there, knows what he has to do and gets the job done.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
