Ian Tosi’s Remarkable Comeback Fuels Mount Carmel’s Victory

In the spring of last year, Ian Tosi of Mount Carmel faced unexpected challenges. What was supposed to be a minor surgery turned into Tommy John surgery, demanding intense rehabilitation. About 15 months later, Tosi, a senior left-handed pitcher now signed with Miami, returned to the mound for the Caravan. His effort during this time was rewarded in a crucial game that justified the struggle of his recovery journey.

“I’ve worked every single day to come back from that surgery,” Tosi shared, expressing his pride in his swift 11-month recovery. “That’s unheard of. I pushed for my team and couldn’t be happier.”

On a Wednesday outing, Tosi impressively navigated around four errors and six hits, holding St. Laurence to four earned runs over 5 2/3 innings. This effort helped Mount Carmel secure a 12-8 victory, upsetting the top-seeded and nationally recognized Vikings in a thrilling Class 4A Brother Rice Sectional semifinal in Chicago.

Brady Holland, heading to Georgetown, and Wake Forest commit TJ McQuillan each hit home runs for the Caravan, which holds a 28-10 record. Holland’s was a notable three-run shot. Pancho Vazquez contributed two hits and two RBIs, while Cullen Winters went 3-for-4, adding a run and an RBI.

“It’s amazing, but we knew we were going to win,” Tosi stated with confidence. “I don’t think it’s even close to an upset. We know we’re the better team.”

As a result, Mount Carmel is set to face Brother Rice, which won 7-6 over Reavis, in the sectional championship at 11 a.m. Saturday.

On the opposing side, Louisville recruit Cory Les led St. Laurence, finishing with a three-run homer and four RBIs. St. Laurence’s season ended with a record of 35-3 as their pursuit of repeated state championships concluded. Wisconsin-Parkside commit Danny Donovan added a solo homer.

Tosi effectively contained the Vikings, delivering what Mount Carmel coach Brian Hurry was looking for. “He’s been through a lot over the last 16 or 17 months,” Hurry remarked. “Not many people have seen the effort he’s put to pitch for us. I’m really proud of him. It was a courageous performance against a strong lineup.”

Tosi’s long recovery journey began due to arm soreness, ultimately leading to the discovery of a partial UCL tear in his left elbow. “They told me I just needed a repair,” Tosi explained. “When I woke from surgery to find I had Tommy John, the whole reconstruction, I was upset. I had no idea it would be that.”

Despite the shock, Tosi embraced the full reconstruction as beneficial. “The repair is just a Band-Aid. Getting the full procedure was for the better. Now I’m thrilled. My arm keeps improving,” he said.

Tosi was ready unexpectedly by season start but was initially limited to shorter outings. Now, his record stands at 5-0 with a 1.46 ERA and 36 strikeouts over 33 2/3 innings. “The buildup has been perfect,” Tosi said. “I always told them I’d be ready for the playoffs, able to pitch five to seven innings and help us win.”

Holland significantly supported Tosi, delivering a three-run homer in the sixth inning, pushing the score to 12-5. “We knew we needed to keep scoring,” Holland noted, sharing, “I had never beaten them in four years, so this feels great.”

This victory was especially meaningful for Tosi. “It’s unreal,” he reflected. “I worked so hard for this moment. I got emotional when the game ended. There were so many emotions. I’m just glad I could help my team win.”