Sports
Providence Junior Makes Case for More Playing Time
Designated hitter/shortstop Branden Boggetto goes 3-for-3 with first home run to lead Celtics in an 11-2 win over Fenwick on Tuesday.
Earning playing time on a senior-dominated team that is ranked No. 1 in the state is not an easy task for a junior.
Providence Catholic’s Branden Boggetto is doing his best to accomplish the feat, however.
All he did Tuesday was go 3-for-3 with a two-run home run to lead Providence to an 11-2 Chicago Catholic League victory over Fenwick in New Lenox.
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“I haven’t been hitting too great this year and I haven’t gotten many opportunities, but I knew I was getting an opportunity today,” Boggetto said. “I knew I had to step it up. It’s a competitive team and that makes it fun to come out here and compete. I’m going to try and win a spot somewhere on the field and try and get in the lineup.”
Boggetto was the designated hitter Tuesday and hit No. 9 in the lineup.
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He started some games at shortstop early in the season when Joe Houlihan was injured, but has had a difficult time breaking into a lineup that has been hitting the ball well all season.
“Branden hasn’t played much lately,” Providence coach Mark Smith said. “We’re trying to find a few more spots before the (postseason) tournament comes up and figure out a few more roles. Branden made a strong case of, ‘Coach, I want to play.’ I’m extremely proud of him.
"He came out there and made a statement for us today. For the most part, the seniors are playing and doing a great job, but Branden took advantage of his opportunity. We’re going to give him another shot (Wednesday).”
Providence (23-3) used a 13-hit attack and strong pitching performance by Dan Wetzel to cruise to the victory.
Boggetto singled and scored in the second inning, singled in the third inning and then belted his first home run of the season–a two-run shot over the right-center field fence in the fourth inning that gave Providence an 11-1 advantage.
“I wasn’t trying to do anything special,” Boggetto said. “I was just trying to get the run in and I was fortunate the way I hit it. I thought I had a good plan today at the plate. I was just trying to go out there and put the ball in play, and I was able to do so.”
