O’Sullivan shines for Providence
Even when things go wrong, senior righty brings out sun for Celtics
On a sun-splashed Saturday, with nary a cloud in the sky, Providence’s Kailee O’Sullivan wasn’t going to let one rough inning waste what felt like the first gorgeous days in weeks.
The senior right-hander would end up buckling down, but first, a pit stop was in order.
Time to refuel mentally.
“I kind of went in the back room in the shade and just composed myself,” O’Sullivan said afterward. “I told myself that I can’t get frustrated — it’s part of the game.”
From there, O’Sullivan bounced back from a four-run fourth inning to give up only one hit the rest of the way in lifting the host Celtics to a 6-4 GCAC Red win over St. Laurence in New Lenox.
With the help of freshman catcher Mia Sanfratello, O’Sullivan was outstanding in the final three innings for Providence (4-2, 1-0), giving up just a hit to sophomore first baseman Vanessa Kates.
Kates’ solo home run led off the big fourth inning for St. Laurence (3-2, 1-1). It was one of three hits and two walks given up by O’Sullivan.
But after some soul-searching between innings, O’Sullivan went the distance and struck out eight.
“My team needs me, so I can’t get mad at anyone or anything,” O’Sullivan said of that crucial break. “So then it allowed me to come out there and do what I needed to do.”
O’Sullivan credited playing nationally with the Virginia Unity 18U travel team — coached by Megan Betsa, a former All-American at Michigan — as a major reason for her ability to bounce back from adversity.
Providence coach Jim Holba said that has paid dividends this season for O’Sullivan (2-1).
“I think it helps in every aspect,”