For Saturday’s game in Joliet, Providence’s jerseys did not feature the school’s name or nickname, and the Celtics wore black jerseys with “Emerald Isle” written in large green letters on the front.
It was fitting, as Dury Health and Care Field was filled with spectators dressed in green to witness history.
The Celtics baseball team lived up to expectations, defeating Conant, 4-1, to win the Class 4A state championship, a record sixth state title for Providence, surpassing the five championships shared by rivals Joliet Catholic and Edwardsville.
Junior Kasten Gebhart found out early Saturday morning that he would be pitching in the state championship game, and he pitched well, giving up just three hits and one run over six innings.
“These past two months have been the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball,” Gebert said. “You all made it special, and winning this game made it even better.”
Gebhart pitched in the seventh inning but was replaced after Matt Mays hit a home run to right field to score Conant’s first run.
Celtics coach Mark Smith turned to junior Nate O’Donnell to seal the win. O’Donnell was Providence’s offensive hero, finishing with two hits and two RBIs.
“The crowd made it feel special,” O’Donnell said. “The crowds just kept growing and growing throughout the playoffs, and I’m so grateful that you all came out tonight.”
The first three hitters in Providence’s lineup are future college hitters Enzo Infelese (Oklahoma), Jackson Smith (Bradley) and O’Donnell (Creighton), but the Celtics’ playoff success has been built on defense and pitching.
Providence allowed just four hits and two runs in both state final games. The Celtics never allowed more than two runs in any playoff game.
“We just have a lot of great pitchers,” O’Donnell said, “we rely on each other, we’re healthy, our defense played great, but the key has been throwing a lot of strikes.”
Providence’s Kasten Gebert (22) pitches in the Class 4A state championship game against Conant.
Kirsten Stickney/The Sun-Times
Under Smith, the Celtics won Class 4A championships in 2016, 2015 and 2014. Coach Jaime Garcia led the school to Class A titles in 1986 and 1978.
This marks the first title game appearance for Conant (30-8), which has won its last eight regular season games.
Cougars starting pitcher Bryce Roeger pitched seven innings and did not allow an earned run, but was marred by two team errors. Roeger struck out seven batters, walked three and allowed six hits.
“From the moment I walked in here I knew we were going to make history,” Conant High School catcher Jake Purpet said. “We fell short, but we made history. One day we’ll be proud of it, but right now it’s disappointing.”
Providence defeated Conant, 4-1, to win the Class 4A state championship.
It was a record sixth championship for the Celtics, who allowed just four hits through two games. pic.twitter.com/B32DGgHiI1
— Michael O’Brien (@michaelsobrien) June 9, 2024
