When junior catcher Nolan Kendall stepped to the plate as Andrew’s leadoff hitter Wednesday, his twin brother, Caden, was waiting in the on-deck circle.
Not only are the twins typically batting in the top two spots in the Thunderbolts’ order, but they also often form the team’s battery on days when Caden — an infielder/pitcher — takes the mound.
“It’s awesome,” Caden said. “It’s a dream, really.
“We definitely feed off each other. It’s not a competition. I love seeing him do well. It pumps me up. It makes me want to get on base even more.”
The Kendalls combined to reach base five times Wednesday. Nolan delivered the big blow with a three-run double as host Andrew rolled to a 10-2 win over Mount Carmel in Tinley Park.
Millikin recruit Robby Pursel went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs and an RBI for the Thunderbolts (8-0). Ryan Burns contributed a double, two runs and two RBIs.
Danny Moss threw 4 2/3 innings to earn the win, allowing two earned runs on six hits while striking out five. Ben Klein worked 2 1/3 perfect innings in relief.
Anthony Chavez had an RBI double for Mount Carmel (3-3). Wake Forest recruit TJ McQuillan went 2-for-3, while Pancho Vazquez doubled and scored a run.
Andrew seized control with seven runs in the third inning. Nolan Kendall came to the plate with the bases loaded and one out and cleared the way, ripping a three-run double down the left field line.
“I was thinking left side the whole time because he was pumping me outside,” Nolan said. “I just had to do it for the boys, really. I knew I needed to put it in play and that’s what I did.
“As the leadoff hitter, I try to set the tone, barrel the ball up and always get on. Then I communicate with Caden and I’ll tell him about pitches I see.”
Caden may have been the happiest person around when Nolan came through in the third with the game-breaking hit.
“It’s really exciting,” Caden said. “We’ve been playing since we were little and seeing him always do well, it’s awesome.”
Caden went 0-for-3 but reached base via a walk and being hit by pitch. He also scored a run. On a red-hot Thunderbolts team, he’s been the hottest of them all.
Last week, when Andrew went 4-0 on a trip to downstate Jacksonville and also picked up a win at Simeon, Caden hit .647 with eight RBIs and went 2-0 pitching, allowing just one run in 11 innings.
Of course, Caden has an extra level of comfort when he pitches with his twin behind the plate.
“We have good communication and we kind of think the same,” Caden said. “When he’s back there, I know he’s going to work his butt off, so it’s good. It’s fun.”