Despite recent struggles, Rich Central remains confident

Updated: May 17, 2011 6:56PM

After winning 14 of its first 15 games, Rich Central recently hit a few speed bumps.

Since May 4, the Olympians have gone 3-4 and find themselves, at 17-5, out of the SouthtownStar Top 10 for the first time all season.

Coach Corey Stallings has had some team-related issues to resolve during the downturn, which left the team at less than full strength.

“It’s been a tough little streak,” Stallings said. “We’re not making excuses. But I’m very confident we’re going to put it together in time for the playoffs.”

Of those four losses, to Crete-Monee, Homewood-Flossmoor, Rich East and Shepard, the one that upset Stallings the most is the H-F debacle. The Olympians threw the ball all over the field.

“It was just atrocious,” Stallings said. “We weren’t ready to play that day. But I think the guys have learned from that and it will make us a better team.”

The news hasn’t been all bad.

Three players — infielder Kyle Clark, outfielder Garrett Spivey and outfielder Deonte Pointer — committed to Kentucky State University; pitcher/first baseman Tyler House signed with Missouri and second baseman Nick Collins committed to Owens College.

“It shows how much talent there is on this team,” Stallings said. “That’s why I’m not concerned about our ability to bounce back from the adversity we’ve faced.

“I’m very confident we’ll put it together. The kids aren’t hanging their heads. They’re upset because they don’t like to lose. We know we’ve got to play a better brand of baseball in the playoffs.”

Kint a nice surprise
for Mount Carmel

One of the biggest surprises for Mount Carmel has been the play of Sam Kint. The right-handed-hitting slugger has been a constant source of production in the cleanup spot.

“He’s been consistent the entire season,” Mount Carmel coach Brian Hurry said. “We really didn’t know what to expect from Sam before the season started. But he’s just been outstanding.”

H-F’s Lietz proves multitalented

Homewood-Flossmoor junior Dan Lietz is one of the top pitching prospects in the Class of 2012.

Given the opportunity to swing the bat this spring, he has not disappointed. Lietz been nestled in the No. 3 spot in the Vikings batting order and was 2-for-4 Monday against Sandburg.

“Lietz can swing it some,” H-F coach Todd Sippel said. “He’s our leading hitter. But I think his future is on the mound. I mean, he’s 6-foot-2, left-handed and he can bring it some.”

Don’t count out
Brother Rice

It’s been a tough year at Brother Rice, which found itself 10-14 entering Tuesday. First-year coach Dan Szmergalski inherited a young squad, with a number of underclassmen starting.

He’s confident the Crusaders can make a little run in the postseason.

“We’re playing good baseball and doing a lot of things right,” Szmergalski said. “It just hasn’t translated into wins.

“Eventually that will change and, hopefully, in the playoffs.”

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