A Creighton University recruit, Roberts pitched a complete game with 15 strikeouts as Belleville defeated Fairview Heights 6-1 in the Senior American Legion District 22's South Division playoffs.
The Hilgards (29-4), got run-scoring hits from Tyler Burk and Rob Beatty in the sixth inning to break a 1-all tie, then left the rest up to Roberts, who hasn't had the best summer after a sensational senior year at Belleville West.
"I've struggled a little bit, especially with my control. But tonight I had good location early with my split finger fastball, then I got stronger as the game went on. I felt good tonight," Roberts said. "This is probably the best team I've played on. We've played together for a long time, and I think that helps because we know what all of us can do. We're playing well right now."
The win moves Belleville into a second round game today at Longacre Park against Waterloo at 7 p.m. Waterloo defeated O'Fallon 10-7 on Monday.
Roberts, who allowed just five hits, gave up an RBI single to Matt Weiler in the second inning, but little else. The former West ace struck out seven of the final nine hitters he faced.
The effort bought a big smile from Hilgards veteran manager Mike Harres.
"We've been waiting all summer for that kind of performance from Otto. He's struggled a little bit with his control, and I know his arm has been a little sore. But tonight he was just overpowering," Harres said. "He's been working on that split finger pitch, and when he's able to throw it for strikes and change speeds to go along with a 90 mph fastball like he had tonight, he's very, very good. He was tonight."
Fairview starter Josh Hoguet matched Roberts for the first five innings but when Mitch Matecki led off the bottom of the sixth with a single, it was the beginning of the end for Fairview Heights. Burk made it 2-1 with a run-scoring double, and Beatty followed with an RBI triple to make the score 3-1.
Contact reporter Dean Criddle at 239-2665 or dcriddle@bnd.com.
