With significant pitcher losses, St. Charles North had to quickly adapt, and Ben Auer took on the role of the ace. The team lost Keaton Reinke to early graduation and Matt Ritchie to injury. This change put Auer at the forefront as the primary pitcher. As the season advanced, Auer solidified his status as an ace.
“I’ve embraced this role throughout the year,” Auer reflected on his progress. His increasing confidence showed in his performance. During Saturday’s Class 4A St. Charles North Regional championship against South Elgin, Auer struck out seven without a walk over five innings. Allowing only five hits and one run, he secured a 3-2 victory for the North Stars.
Auer also excelled offensively, going 3-for-4 and driving in two runs. Ty Gleason contributed with two hits, including a double. St. Charles North won their 11th regional title in the program’s history.
St. Charles North’s Ben Auer waits for a pitch against South Elgin in the first inning of the Class 4A St. Charles North Regional championship game on May 30, 2026.
Reed Raczka tripled and scored twice, while Josh Kobylinski clinched the save by retiring the final five batters. The North Stars now prepare to face Huntley, who holds a record of 30-7, in the McHenry Sectional semifinals.
For South Elgin, Zacharia Barkho equaled Auer’s pitching with seven strikeouts over six innings. He conceded two earned runs on seven hits and a walk. Alex Muro offered two hits and an RBI for the team.
Though Auer had limited pitching in the previous season, Coach Todd Genke recognized the senior’s potential. Over time, Auer emerged as the team’s confirmed ace.
“He stepped up big time,” Genke commented. “He was a competitor, even if last year he played mostly in the outfield.”
This year, Auer pledged to fill the ace role, and his performance validated that decision.
Kobylinski noted how Auer’s leadership allowed the team to settle into defined roles. “He brought us together,” Kobylinski said. “Someone needed to step up as the ace, and Ben did.”
South Elgin began aggressively in the count early, aiding Auer in maintaining a low pitch count. Despite facing trouble in the fifth inning, he managed to strand four runners over the initial four innings. After Muro’s RBI single, Auer finished the threat with a strikeout and handed over to the bullpen.
“It’s a great feeling to perform,” Auer said about his mindset before the game. “I prepared myself mentally and physically for such moments.”
All Auer could do was watch Kobylinski finish the game, getting the North Stars out of a jam in the sixth and then retiring the Storm’s top hitters in the seventh.
“Koby has been reliable all year. He’s solid. We trust him to finish the job,” Auer noted.
South Elgin’s coach David Palmer was satisfied with his team’s resilience. “A couple runs would make the difference with such strong pitching,” Palmer said, acknowledging the game’s playoff atmosphere.
Auer relished the victory, keen on avenging last year’s loss to South Elgin. “There was something extra in this win,” he admitted. “We’re eager to continue on Wednesday.”
Paul Johnson reports freelance for The Beacon-News.