Providence’s Jackson Smith has been a consistent force with his bat the last two seasons, but the junior second baseman isn’t satisfied with just being good at one aspect of the game.
Poor defense was a major problem last season for the Celtics, and Smith is quick to acknowledge his role in that. In his quest to become a complete player, he went to work on shoring up things with his glove and his arm.
“We struggled defensively last year, especially me,” Smith said. “That was definitely the main focus this offseason — just trying to get better defensively.
“I worked on it a lot, and I think with this team, I feel more comfortable. I’m not nervous or anything. I’m just playing ball.”
Smith is doing that at an extremely high level.
He kept it up Wednesday, providing solid defense while going 4-for-4 with a home run and four runs to lead visiting Providence to a 13-7 Catholic League Blue win over Brother Rice in Chicago.
Nolan Galla went 2-for-4 with three runs for Providence (21-3, 12-2), while Oklahoma recruit Enzo Infelise finished 2-for-3 with a double. Gavin Gomez and Wisconsin-Oshkosh commit Will Withers each had three RBIs.
Jackson Natanek led Brother Rice (14-11, 10-3), going 4-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. Purdue recruit Amir Gray singled and scored two runs, while Rudy Perez chipped in with an RBI single.
With the perfect day at the plate, Smith — who reached base for a fifth time with a walk — raised his batting average to .517.
“You know you’re hitting good when you see that,” Smith said hitting over. 500. “I try not to look at it too much because I’m superstitious, but I’ve definitely noticed it.
“You’re definitely more comfortable when you’re hitting .500 and just up there looking for something to hit.”
Smith started on varsity as a sophomore last season and hit .371, so the offensive production is nothing new.
It’s the defensive improvement that Providence coach Mark Smith — no relation — has noticed the most.
“He struggled a little bit with it at the beginning of this year, and we focused on really nothing but defense for probably the last month,” Mark Smith said. “He’s really turned it up.
“He made a great play (Wednesday). The kids realize it’s not just about hitting. You’ve got to play great defense.”
Smith said that building a strong relationship with Galla, the team’s shortstop, has made a big difference. Galla has noticed that, too.
“Our chemistry is great because we’re always there with each other,” Galla said. “Every day after school, we get out there and take ground balls with the best infield coach out there, (assistant coach) Dean Anna. He makes us smooth.
“We’re out there making the plays. Field the ball, baby!”
Providence did and led 8-0 before Brother Rice rallied with six runs in the fourth.
Sophomore Cooper Eggert helped stem the Crusaders’ rally, allowing just one run over 2 2/3 innings in relief.
Eggert, who started in right field, also reached base four times.
“My fastball was really working,” Eggert said. “They couldn’t really touch it. I was pumped up, I had a lot of adrenaline going and I was just throwing it.
“I threw against them Saturday. I faced the same batters and knew they couldn’t hit it.”
The Celtics avenged a 7-3 loss Saturday to the Crusaders.
Jackson Smith, meanwhile, has yet to see his lofty stats draw a ton of college attention. But he’s not too worried about that.
“I’m talking to a few schools, but it doesn’t really bother me,” he said. “I think I’ll get my place to play. I’m just trying to play until someone notices me.”
Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
