Lucas Lorenz had no trouble at the plate and that caused major problems for opposing pitchers.
The Aberdeen shortstop was a force with a bat in his hands, helping to lead the Smittys to the Region 1A crown and a berth in the State American Legion Tournament in Rapid City. Lorenz collected 11 hits in 15 plate appearances in three games for a .733 batting average, which included two triples and a grand slam. He also scored 10 runs and drove in nine. For his efforts, Lorenz is the American News Athlete of the Week.
Keeping his eye on the ball helped with the consistency that Lorenz provided over the five-day event.
"I was able to see the ball well, and the hits were just falling into the right places," said the Aberdeen shortstop.
Being able to make adjustments at the plate is important for a good hitter.
"The first (at-bat), I normally look for a fastball and the second time, I have to make adjustments if he is throwing off-speed," Lorenz said. "I have to scoot up in the batter's box or move back, and know what pitch is going to come on a certain count."
Lorenz had to sit out the final game of the region tournament, after suffering a muscle injury in the first championship game, which Watertown rallied to win 14-12.
"It was kind of bad. I couldn't even jog and it was hard to finish the game," Lorenz said.
Even though watching from the bench was difficult, Lorenz had faith the Smittys could get the job done.
"That was really tough, but the guys stepped up and did a nice job filling in for me," Lorenz said.
The guys include a group of veterans that Lorenz has been around a long time. Dalton Cox, Carter Paulson and Matt Swallow, along with Lorenz, have all played three seasons together at the Legion level.
Getting the win in the second game against Watertown showed what the group is made of.
"It shows we are never going to give up because things didn't go our way," Lorenz said. "I've always been taught to have a short memory. You have to forget one bad game or one bad at-bat. If you don't, it will affect you down the road."
Going into the state tournament, Lorenz was batting .511 and had 93 base hits, including 10 triples and four home runs, a slugging percentage of .764 and had driven in 64 runs, all team-leading statistics.
"He is hitting the ball better than any other Smitty I've coached," said Aberdeen coach Justin Downes. "To have his batting average this late in the season is pretty incredible. He hits for power, has speed and great baseball instincts."
Downes said that Lorenz, who bats third for the Smittys, has his teammates' attention while at bat.
"There are a lot of 'oohs' and 'ahs', and some of the stuff he does at the plate is just incredible," Downes said. "He never gets cheated at the plate and makes solid contact every time."
Lorenz, 17, comes from an athletic family as his parents were both standouts at Northern State. Having that heritage has helped Lorenz along the way.
"It's really helped anytime I've ever had a question about sports," Lorenz said. "I can go ask mom or dad for help. They're always there to help me."
Personal
Family: Parents, Marlene and Gene Lorenz, sister Kennedy (15).
Favorite athlete: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout.
Favorite team: Minnesota Twins.
Other sports: Basketball, football, track.
Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, golf.
Favorite athletic memory:"Earlier this year, hitting a go-ahead three-run homer against Watertown."