By Xavier Sanchez
Correspondent
After a stirring upset of unbeaten Nazareth to win the Class 4A Reavis Sectional championship, Mount Carmel’s bid for a trip to the state finals ended with a 3-2 extra-inning loss to Providence in the supersectional round.
Celtics shortstop Jackson Smith’s single off Matt Murphy drove in Eddie Olszta with the game-winning run in the eighth inning on June 3 at Ozinga Field in Crestwood.
Caravan sophomore starting pitcher Ian Tosi allowed an RBI triple by Celtics third baseman Enzo Infelise, and Smith plated Infelise with a sac fly. Tosi settled down, going seven innings while striking out seven batters.
“It was a huge honor,” Tosi said of getting the start in a supersectional game. “Pitching for this organization in this type of game is a huge honor, especially as a sophomore.”
Mount Carmel left fielder James Nydegger sends the ball to the outfield for a two-run, game-tying single in the fourth inning of the Caravan’s 3-2 loss to Providence in the Crestwood Supersectional on June 3. Photo by Xavier Sanchez
Mount Carmel got a two-run single from left fielder Jake Nydegger after Kolin Adams started the rally with a double and Providence pitcher Nate O’Donnell walked TJ McQuillan and Anthony Chavez to load the bases.
Nydegger is one of just a few Caravan seniors baseball team and some that the younger ones looks up toward.
“James has been a tremendous example for these guys,” said Mount Carmel coach Brian Hurry.
Tosi and fellow sophomore Jake Matise came up big on the mound in the final two games of the season. The two could play pivotal roles for the Caravan pitching staff over the next two years.
“I feel like they both are the same way and want the ball,” Hurry said. “They have guts. They want the ball with the game on the line. When they don’t bite when they are pups, they won’t bite when they are dogs.”
Mount Carmel coach Brian Hurry tries to rally the Caravan players after a big play during a 3-2 loss to Providence on June 3. Photo by Xavier Sanchez