Defense the difference for Celtics

Updated: May 16, 2011 9:19PM

For all the glorification of hitting in baseball, it is defense and pitching that usually decide the outcome of a game.

That truth was on display in New Lenox as Providence took advantage of several Joliet West errors to capture a 12-4 victory over the Tigers.

``Our defense was great today,’’ Celtics coach Mark Smith said. ``We just had to survive today. This felt like the coldest day of the year so far. We took advantage of the help that we got from them.’’

The game was played in cold and windy conditions that were adverse to the hitters but also made every fly ball to the outfield an adventure for the fielders.

The Tigers (15-8) jumped out in front in the second inning when Paul Kuske drove in Mike Grindstaff with an RBI single for a 1-0 lead.

Providence (26-3) came back with a pair of runs in its half of the inning. Dominic Olszta led off with a walk and came around to score on an error. He was followed to home by Zak Kutsulis who doubled and eventually scored on a wild pitch. The two runs that the Celtics scored were unearned as were all but one of the runs for Providence.

``I think, overall, we played real well,’’ Kutsulis said. ``We’ll take a win any way we can get one.’’

The Celtics broke open the game in the third inning by scoring seven runs to take a 9-2 lead. Providence batted around and took advantage of three errors and two walks in the inning. Dan Potempa and Olszta had a pair of singles and scored. The big hit in the inning came when Sam Travis hit a high fly down the right field line that was slicing in the wind and fell for a three RBI triple. Travis scored on an errant throw to the cut-off man.

``I actually thought he would catch that one. The wind was playing tricks with the ball,’’ Travis said. ``It helps a lot that I have guys in front of me who get on base so that I can drive them home.’’

Providence starter Dominic Quaranta went five innings and allowed three earned runs. He did not issue a walk and threw two double-play balls. His teammates did not make an error all game.

Kutsulis helped his cause in trying to earn an outfield spot. The Celtics are currently playing six players in trying to determine who will play those three positions regularly. Kutsulis was 3-for-3 with two doubles and a base hit. Travis was 2-for-3 with four RBI.

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