Sports
Analysis: Travis' 9-for-9 is an Eye-Opener for Providence, but How About That Relief?
Celtics relievers throw six shutout innings during Wednesday's win over Lemont.
Playing in temperatures in the 30s on Wednesday, there's no denying that the players, coaches and fans in New Lenox were cold.
Most of them, anyway. Providence third baseman Sam Travis enjoyed a hot day at the plate in
Travis doubled home the tying run and what would prove to be the winning run in the first inning. He doubled again and then scored in the third inning and clubbed a homer in the fifth inning. He made his first out of the season, ending his 9-for-9 start, when he rolled into an inning-ending double play.
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"I feel like our whole team is in the zone and swinging the bats pretty good," Travis said. "We’ve just got to keep doing what we're doing and hopefully the success keeps going."
While Travis' hot start has certainly been noted, the Celtics (3-0) received a great effort out of their bullpen Wednesday to help them remain undefeated. Starting pitcher Dominic Quaranta gave up a run in the first inning and then walked the first two batters he faced in the second. That was enough for coach Mark Smith, who brought in left-hander Zak Kutsulis.
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"I was told before the game that the odds were good I'd pitch in relief," Kutsulis said. "I felt I did pretty well."
Kutsulis handled a poor bunt effort for the first out in the second inning, fanned the next man he faced and then induced leadoff man Trevor Murphy to fly out to right field to end the inning.
"I thought overall I threw pretty well," Kutsulis said. "Some of my pitches weren't working. My curve and change were everywhere, but my fastball and cutter were spot on."
Kutsulis earned his first career victory for his standout performance.
Northwestern recruit Brandon Magallones relieved Kutsulis in the top of the fifth inning, and he was even more dominant, surrendering just one hit while fanning six.
"Sometimes you've got to choke up and put the ball in play, especially with guys on base," Lemont coach Joe Rodeghero said. "We struck out a little too many times against very good pitchers."
