Andrew Speh makes call, hits homer in 11th inning as Stagg stuns Marist. Destination? ‘Taking it over the wall.’

Senior shortstop Andrew Speh accurately predicted the outcome of Stagg’s game with remarkable precision. Prior to his standout performance, Speh shared his game plan with junior reliever John Skordas, envisioning exactly how his crucial at-bat in the 11th inning would unfold. Despite facing a tough pitcher from Marist, Speh confidently declared his intentions, stating, “If he throws me a curveball, I’m swinging at the first pitch and taking it over the wall.”

In a stunning turn of events, Speh translated his words into action by hitting a two-run homer, securing a 9-7 victory for the Chargers in a thrilling upset during the Class 4A Stagg Regional semifinal in Palos Hills. Senior catcher Brody Jeffers also shined with three hits, three runs, and two RBIs, while sophomore infielder Dominic contributed with two RBIs. The Chargers are set to face second-seeded Lincoln-Way West for the regional title on Saturday.

Despite facing tough competition from seventh-seeded Marist, Stagg’s players rose to the occasion, with Speh leading the charge with three runs and three RBIs, including the game-winning home run. Skordas, who pitched an outstanding six innings and struck out nine batters, praised Speh’s leadership and performance, emphasizing his ability to lift the team in critical moments.

Following Speh’s heroics, Stagg’s players rallied together to secure the win, with Skordas striking out the side in the 11th inning to seal the victory. Jeffers highlighted the impact of Speh’s homer, providing a much-needed cushion for the team in a tense game. Speh, reflecting on his standout performance, expressed his pride in the team’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Speh, a multi-talented athlete excelling in both baseball and hockey, credited his upbringing in sports for his mental toughness and competitive spirit. As he looks ahead to future endeavors, including playing junior hockey at the club level before joining the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Speh remains grateful for the support of his teammates and the memorable victory against Marist.

The game-winning homer marked a significant milestone for Speh, who celebrated the victory with his teammates and younger brother, Evana, a talented center fielder. As he continues to pursue his athletic aspirations, Speh remains grounded in his passion for sports and the invaluable lessons learned from his experiences on and off the field.