By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

No player in the state has been as consistently dominant as St. Rita left-hander Mike Costanzo. Unlike most players, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound junior has been unfazed by horrific pitching conditions, so much so, in fact, that he has vaulted himself into player of the year consideration.

In a season in which Costanzo has been nearly untouchable, he went above and beyond last week. Costanzo threw two complete-game victories last week for No. 2-ranked St. Rita (17-2).

In 14 innings, Costanzo racked up an amazing 27 strikeouts. He yielded six hits, three earned runs and eight walks, all of which earned him Porsche Exchange Player of the Week honors.

Costanzo started the week by throwing a four-hit masterpiece in the Mustangs’ 4-3 victory over De La Salle. Costanzo tallied 15 strikeouts in the game. At one point, 10 consecutive outs were by strikeout. He allowed two earned runs and four walks.

Costanzo then bounced back on Saturday to throw another complete game, this time a two-hitter to beat St. Joseph, 4-1. He punched out 12, and allowed one earned run and four walks to help the Mustangs improve to 15-2.

The hard-throwing Austin Peay recruit is currently 6-0 with a 0.95 ERA. In 37 innings, he has a remarkable 62 strikeouts. And he’s done it against good competition. Aside from De La Salle and St. Joseph, he’s beaten New Trier, Oak Lawn, Bloomington and Ashley Ridge, the defending state champion in South Carolina.

St. Rita coach Mike Zunica said he he’s not surprised by Costanzo’s dominance after the left-hander emerged as the team’s ace as a sophomore.

“We expected this out of Mike, because we knew what kind of competitor he is, and how much he cares,” said Zunica.

“This year he has more command to go along with an improved fastball. That’s a great combination.”

Opponents are batting .140 against Costanzo. He has yielded five earned runs, 18 hits and 24 walks as well.

The Porsche Exchange salutes Costanzo for his hard work and success.

Click Here to view past Porsche Exchange Player of the Week winners.