Providence High’s Holt secures All-CIF second-team recognition

It proved to be a breakthrough season for the Providence High baseball team.

After finishing tied for third in the Liberty League, the Pioneers won their first playoff game since 2001 and reached the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division VI playoffs.

Providence fielded a 14-player roster, half of it comprised of sophomores. One of the standouts from the sophomore class was pitcher/first baseman Sean Holt, who excelled on the mound and at the plate for Providence.

Holt’s body of worked was recognized Monday when he received All-CIF second-team accolades.

“I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s definitely a great honor,” said Holt, who batted .476 (40 for 63) with eight doubles and 26 runs batted in. “It’s something that’s nice to have alongside your name.

“We did well, though it was a rebuilding process because we have so many young players. We were able to win a lot of games and we have something positive to build on heading into next season.”

Providence finished 9-12, 3-5 in league. It then opened the postseason with a 9-3 road win against Hesperia Christian before suffering a 6-1 home defeat against second-seeded Pasadena Poly at Foy Park.

The Pioneers relied on Holt, who earlier secured all-league first-team recognition, to help them end their postseason winless drought.

“He’s just a very impressive player,” Providence Coach Steve Knez said. “I thought his numbers were just as good as last year.

“When he’s hot, we are hot. He’s our best hitter and pitcher. It will be great having him back for another two years.”

Holt scored 24 runs, stole 12 bases and finished with a .588 on-base percentage.

On the mound, Holt went 4-1 with a 3.23 earned-run average. He struck out 60 in 52 innings.

“The two things I’ll remember about Sean this season was that he always put the ball in play at the plate and he gave us a quality start on the mound just about every time,” Knez said. “Sean led the team in several categories, but his value to the team is immeasurable.

“He leads the team by example and he makes everybody around him play that much better.”
--

Follow Charles Rich on Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich .