After Asa Johnson impressed during tryouts this spring, the freshman pitcher quickly realized he would be making a pretty big jump up in competition for Aurora Christian.
Johnson, a three-sport athlete, took to varsity baseball immediately, starting the second game of the season for the Eagles against Serena. And now, he’s a regular in their rotation.
“I was a little bit surprised,” Johnson said. “I knew I needed to step up my game. I had to bring it to them to show them who I am to start and for the next three years.
“I want them to know they can trust me. (Coach Andy Zorger) asked if I was good with it and I said, ‘Yes, sir.’ I’ve pitched three games so far, and it’s been going pretty well.”
Pretty well sums up Tuesday’s performance as the right-handed Johnson had his most complete outing for the Eagles during a 12-2 nonconference victory at Newark.
Johnson (3-0) worked a career-long six innings for Aurora Christian (7-1), striking out five while allowing two runs on two hits and two walks. And he also had run support.
The Eagles scored in every inning but the second. Andrew Hernandez led the way by going 3-for-3 with three RBIs and three runs. Ryan Jones and Adan Rocha added two hits apiece.
Landon Begovac doubled and scored for Newark (4-8). Clay Friestad scored the other run.
That run came on an error, but while Johnson said he had never gone six innings in his life, he still succeeded Tuesday without his best stuff in stifling the Norsemen.
“I wasn’t feeling great,” Johnson said. “I just pushed through it. I think it was in my head. My velocity didn’t feel as fast as it has been. My curve was just off.
“I wasn’t worried about the score. I trusted my defense, obviously. I was in the mindset where I was like, ‘Coach, let me go another one.’ It’s up to him. He told me no.”
In the eyes of Zorger, it was a welcomed developmental step for Johnson.
“The first couple weeks when we were doing bullpens, it was like, ‘We could use this guy,’” Zorger said. “I’m trying to pick out strategic games I think he can do well, and he’s done that.
“It lengthens our staff. He’s basically playing JV but pitching with us. It’s working out really well so far.”
Johnson’s second start came on the team’s trip to North Carolina. He went four innings against Vandalia Christian, but he walked four. He was more efficient Tuesday.
“I would say this was his best overall outing in terms of him dominating the strike zone and commanding it,” Zorger said. “His first outing, he was kind of jacked up and jittery.
“But he’s definitely calmed down and he’s settling in really well, which is great.”
Newark had a hard time getting things going offensively, something Norsemen coach Josh Cooper attributed to Johnson.
“Their pitcher, for a freshman, he’s doing a heck of a job,” Cooper said. “I think we helped him out. That’s someone we can hit, in my opinion, but I’m not going to take anything away from the kid.
“He pitched his butt off.”
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Cooper knows that his team’s record will turn around eventually, but he’s happy that a tough early schedule should help Newark down the road.
“We’ve had a chance to play some really good teams,” Cooper said. “I like seeing these guys. It’s good competition. Not that the Little Ten (Conference) isn’t good.
“We’re going to compete for the top spot.”
Johnson, meanwhile, also plays quarterback and plays basketball, but he said that baseball gets the majority of his time.
Although he’s only scratching the surface, he’s off to undefeated start on varsity.
“Physically, he’s ready to compete and contribute,” Zorger said. “There could be some more to unlock, but I don’t want to do too much with him right now. He’s having success.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
