By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

O’Fallon coach Jason Portz said he always knew right-hander Chris Holba had the stuff to dominate opponents. Now the 6-foot-2, 160-pound junior is beginning to realize his potential – in a big way.

Last Friday, Holba was one pitch away from throwing a perfect game against Highland – missing on a 1-2 call that ultimately led to a walk – and had to settle for a no-hitter.  Holba also threw two solid innings of relief against Edwardsville on Tuesday.

“Chris has the most electric arm that I’ve had in the program in 13 years,” said Portz. “He has the potential to be a lights-out guy.  When he’s on, he has that no-hit type of potential. He gets a lot of soft contact and lots of swings and misses.”

Aside from Holba’s no-hitter, he struck out eight, walked two, and allowed one hit in nine innings pitched last week, earning him Porsche Exchange Player of the Week honors.

For the season, Holba is 2-0 with a 0.41 ERA. In 17 innings, he’s yielded two hits, one earned run with 15 strikeouts to five walks for No. 13-ranked O'Fallon.

Holba is no stranger to the big stage, either. In 2009, playing for Team Europe in the Little League World Series, he hit a grand slam that nearly led to an upset of Taipei.

The Porsche Exchange salutes Holba’s hard work and success.

CLICK HERE for past Porsche Exchange Players of the Week winners.