Jimmy Benson Throws Perfect Game in Regional Baseball Championship

St. Laurence’s rising star, Jimmy Benson, began his golfing venture 18 months ago but truly tested his abilities by joining the high school golf team last fall. Standing at 6-foot-8, Benson presents a strong presence on the course, although his natural pitching talent shines more in baseball.

Despite admitting, “I’m not very good at golf,” he relishes the competitive spirit. On the baseball mound, Benson has a clear objective: “My goal every time out is to throw up a zero.” He aims to prevent any base runners, knowing the danger posed whenever the opposing team gets on base.

During a regional final, Benson didn’t allow any base runners. The TCU commit pulled off a perfect game with five strikeouts, leading the host Vikings to a 5-0 win over Oak Lawn in the Class 4A St. Laurence Regional final in Burbank. The game took place on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

“When he’s throwing strikes, he’s obviously very good and very talented,” St. Laurence coach Pete Lotus remarked. “He’s perfect when he’s pounding the zone like that and keeping hitters off-balance.”

In addition to Benson’s performance, Junior catcher Tristan Steger contributed with a two-run double. The top-seeded Vikings (35-2) are set to face fourth-seeded Mount Carmel (27-10) in a Brother Rice Sectional semifinal. Senior infielder Mickey Lotus excelled with a crucial RBI bunt single and scored by stealing home, making two key defensive plays to maintain the perfect game.

Benson recorded his second career no-hitter and boasts a 7-1 season record. His previous no-hitter occurred on May 10, 2025, against Mount Carmel, with a 9-0 victory covering 6 2/3 innings. Against Oak Lawn, he effectively used strikes for 58 out of his 84 pitches.

Recognizing Benson’s exceptional zone, Steger noted, “There’s always that level of confidence behind the plate whenever Jimmy’s on the mound.” Benson’s ability to maintain focus allowed him to reach a count of three balls only once during the game.

Benson’s fastball, noted for its diverse movement, proved challenging for teams encountering it for the first time. Reflecting on his sports journey, Benson recalled being much taller than his peers from a young age, realizing his potential as a pitcher around age 13.

In leading St. Laurence to the Class 3A state championship previously, Benson finished with an impressive 11-1 record. Happy with his recent performance, he focused on achieving the team’s overarching goal: winning and progressing.

The report, highlighting Benson’s exceptional achievement, was contributed by freelance reporter Patrick Z. McGavin for the Daily Southtown.