Will Rewers Leads St. Rita Back to State in Baseball

Will Rewers delivered a standout performance for St. Rita, pitching a remarkable game that returned the Mustangs to state for the first time since 2019. After the game, the senior pitcher was filled with emotion.

I can’t even put it into words, Rewers stated. I’m surprised I’m not crying now. I’ll probably cry later, but out of joy.

Rewers, who is set to join St. Ambrose, managed to silence Nazareth’s strong lineup. He pitched a two-hitter and recorded 10 strikeouts, resulting in a 2-0 victory at the Class 3A Crestwood Supersectional held at Ozinga Field.

In the win, Julio Gutierrez went 2-for-4, including a double, scoring one run. Frank Garofalo added a single and a score for the Mustangs, who earned the program’s fifth state trophy.

St. Rita is set to face East Peoria, who recently defeated Geneva, in the state semifinals at Slammers Stadium in Joliet. Gutierrez expressed his excitement about the upcoming game.

I’m at a loss for words now, Gutierrez said. I’m thrilled to experience this with my team.

Rewers effectively kept Nazareth limited to just two hits, one in the third inning and another in the sixth, allowing two walks and hitting one batter. His control was evident, as he managed to retire Florida State recruit Landon Thome twice, a notable MLB prospect and son of Hall of Fame player Jim Thome.

Pitching against players like that, I aim to have no baserunners, Rewers noted. The strikeout in Thome’s third at-bat really energized the whole team.

Rewers improved his record to 8-1 with a 2.47 ERA and 70 strikeouts over 51 innings. His senior year has been outstanding, especially after overcoming an elbow surgery during his freshman year.

Rewers recounted his injury and recovery:

It was a partial reconstruction. They stitched it back and put a brace. I returned in my sophomore year.

He learned to pitch using his body instead of heavily relying on his arm, an adjustment resulting in his best performances yet.

Gutierrez praised Rewers, stating:

Will’s a top player. He carries the team. To pitch a shutout in this setting is remarkable.

Gutierrez provided essential run support with a double in the fourth inning, scoring on a balk. Garofalo added to the lead by scoring on a wild pitch in the seventh.

Following the game, St. Rita’s coach John Nee shared how future Mustangs would hear about Rewers’ impressive effort.

We shared stories of past successes. Now, we’ll be sharing Will’s story, Nee said.

Rewers expressed his joy, revealing plans to sleep with the supersectional plaque.

This was the best game I’ve played, he stated. The only better moment would be playing in the state championship.