Freshman sensation Alek Thomas keys Mount Carmel’s win over Jacobs

The Catholic Blue is one of the toughest baseball conferences in the country. So it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Mount Carmel freshman Alek Thomas is a special player. He hit .337 and bashed seven homers this season.

The freshman sensation arrived on the big stage Friday in the Class 4A state semifinals at Silver Cross Field in Joliet. Thomas’ two-run homer in the third inning gave the Caravan the cushion it needed to knock off Jacobs 5-2.

“Alek has been great all year, he’s fit right in with our team,” said Mount Carmel coach Brian Hurry. “That speaks to his skill level and his mental makeup. He’s more like a senior than a freshman.”

Most of the Caravan starters have played in state baseball games. Friday was Thomas’ first time, but he was as calm as any upperclassman.

“You just have to act like you’ve been there before,” said Thomas. “It’s all about the team, not about me. These guys pushed me to do my best.”

Mike Lorenzi started the game for Mount Carmel (36-4).

“(Lorenzi) just gave us a chance to win,” said Hurry. “We told him to throw strikes and we are going to play good defense for you.”

Mount Carmel made two errors in the game, but also had several moments of sheer brilliance in the field. After Thomas’ home run made it 5-0 in the third centerfielder Josh Stowers made a fabulous diving catch and second baseman Ako Thomas turned in a web gem with a great play up the middle.

It felt like the Caravan was going to coast to a win, but Jacobs (29-11) made a push in the fifth. The Eagles scored runs on hits from Owen Oreskovich and Daniel Tenayuca. Jacobs could have had more, but a crucial tag call at second base was changed from safe to out.

“I applaud the umpiring crew,” said Hurry. “I’m thankful they got together and got it right.”

Lorenzi pitched five innings and allowed six hits and two earned runs. Nelson Munoz held the Golden Eagles scoreless for the final two innings.

“Mount Carmel is an unbelievable offense and they got a good start and it was too much to catch up,” said Jacobs coach Jamie Murray. “I’m proud of our guys for holding them at five.”

Ryan Sargent started for Jacobs. He went three innings, allowing five hits and four earned runs.

“I was struggling with my location, leaving some balls up,” said Sargent. “A good hitting team like that is going to capitalize on those mistakes.”

Scott Kapers was 1 for 3 with a home run for Mount Carmel and first baseman Malik Carpenter was 2 for 4 with a run scored and RBI.

The Caravan will face the winner of the Providence vs. Oak Park-River Forest game in the Class 4A state title game on Saturday.