Cullen Winters is striving to achieve an impressive feat during his junior year at Mount Carmel: winning championships in both football and baseball. As a valuable defensive back, he helped the football team secure the Class 8A title last fall. Now, his crucial plays in baseball have the team on track for a similar triumph.
During a recent interview, Winters expressed his enthusiasm for the possibility, stating, “Winning in two sports in one year would be pretty cool. I have experience from football to help me, and hopefully we can do it in baseball too.” He ensured that opportunity by hitting a decisive RBI single in the eighth inning, leading Mount Carmel to a 6-3 victory over Sandburg in the Class 4A Crestwood Supersectional at Ozinga Field.
Other team members contributed significantly. Logan Fernandez, committed to Triton, hit a two-run double. Brady Holland, set to attend Georgetown, added a double, a run, and an RBI. Jonathan Osornio, committed to Cowley, chipped in with a pinch-hit RBI single.
In a crucial defensive moment, pitcher Jake Matise, committed to Lewis, worked through a bases-loaded challenge in the seventh inning and secured the win in extra innings. This victory advances Mount Carmel to the state semifinal at Slammers Stadium in Joliet.
Sandburg’s Nick Seaman, who scored on a sacrifice fly from Lucas Rosas, also showed skill. Yet, Matise managed to close out the threat by forcing a flyout on a full count, paving the way for Winters’ impactful hit.
Winters reflected on the moment, saying, “I knew I had to put the ball in play. I found a gap. It was a significant moment. Then Johnny came through after that. It was awesome.” His recent performance includes going 5-for-9 with three RBIs in earlier games.
Jake Matise praised Winters’ contributions, especially noting his defensive reliability during challenging conditions. Mount Carmel coach Brian Hurry valued Winters’ competitive nature, praising his mentality and confidence, qualities also seen in football.
Winters shared insights on his preparation: “I did some extra hitting the Sunday before the St. Laurence game to boost my confidence. The first pitch I saw in that game, I hit a double, and that started a hot streak. Now, I need to keep it going.”