Mount Carmel secured an 11‑2 victory over Naperville Central in the IHSA baseball state series third‑place contest, closing out a season that had begun with high hopes but was marked by a semifinal defeat to eventual champions Libertyville.
The Caravan entered the game looking to rebound after a loss to Maine South, hoping to finish the year on a positive note, while Naperville Central had already aimed to end its campaign on a high after that earlier setback.
From the outset, Mount Carmel applied pressure, with Jermaine Kenady delivering a timely single and stealing second before Jackson Persin’s subsequent hit drove Kenady home, giving the visitors an early 1‑0 lead.
Key Moments in the Game
The Caravan’s offense continued to build, as Christian Clark’s base hit in the second inning knotted the score at one, and Cylis Rainey’s well‑timed swing through the middle added another run, shifting momentum firmly in Mount Carmel’s favor.
A four‑run fourth inning saw Mario Medina contribute an insurance RBI, and TJ McQuillan’s line drive up the middle capped the surge, extending the lead to 5‑1 before the team added six more runs to finish at 11‑2.
Naperville Central managed a bright spot when Mike Page ripped a triple, but the Caravan’s defense held firm, ensuring the final score remained unchanged.
With the win, Mount Carmel concluded the season in fourth place in the state rankings, finishing with a 30‑11 record, while Naperville Central’s campaign ended after a respectable run that included a fourth‑place finish.