EDWARDSVILLE - Adan Bilzing is a senior outfielder for the Belleville West baseball team, and he's provided needed senior leadership and encouragement to his teammates on the Maroons, In a game against Edwardsville on Apr. 21 at Tom Pile Field, he delivered in a big way.
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Bilzing had the key hit in the third inning, a bases-clearing double that scored three runs as a part of an eight-run inning that helped propel West to a 12-2 win over the Tigers, and it was definitely his most important hit this season. He's currently hitting .238 for the Maroons, who are currently 9-8-1, with no home runs, three RBIs and no stolen bases.
In a postgame interview, Bilzing described the pitch he hit as one he took the opposite field.
"I saw the pitch, I liked it," Bilzing said, "and I just took it the opposite way into the gap. But I encouraged my teammates to get on before me. I'm trusting them to get on, and it's my job to bring them in."
It's been mostly a good season so far for the Maroons, although it's had its ups and downs, but Bilzing remains optimistic and upbeat about how things have gone for West.
"We've had a few low points," Bilzing said, "but it's important to bounce back, and we did that today."
Bilzing has been happy with his own body of work this season so far, but also knows there's plenty of room for improvement.
"I've had my ups and downs," Bilzing said, "but it's just important to keep my head up and be there for my teammates, who come out every day."
Bilzing goals and ambitions for the rest of the season are mainly focused on the IHSA Class 4A playoffs, which will start shortly before the end of May.
"We have to keep winning," Bilzing said, "see how far we can get in the playoffs. It's just important to take it game-by-game right now."
He does feel confident in how things may turn out for himself and his team as the season continues.
"I think as long as we make our plays, and we continue to hit like we did today," Bilzing said, "we can be super successful later in the season."
