Finally a full-time starter, Sean Popp helps St. Laurence clinch Catholic League Blue title. ‘Live for that.’
Sean Popp got just four at-bats his entire junior season, spending most of last spring cheering from the bench as St. Laurence won the Class 3A state championship. Playing time this year was far from a guarantee, either.
Popp, a senior infielder, was not a starter at the beginning of the season. But he never gave up. “I’ve been waiting a couple years now for my opportunity but not playing didn’t make me stop working hard,” Popp said.
“If anything, it made me work harder. As soon as I got the opportunity, I just let that hard work pay off. It’s awesome.
” And when a teammate’s injury opened the door for Popp, he took full advantage. The Oakton recruit continued his strong play Monday, producing a pair of hits and three RBIs to lead the host Vikings to an 11-4 win over Brother Rice in Burbank that clinched the Catholic League Blue title. Louisville recruit Cory Les went 2-for-2 with a triple and three RBIs for St.
Laurence (29-1, 13-0). He also pitched the final 2 2/3 innings, striking out five and not allowing a run to record the save. Kentucky commit Tristan Steger homered and TCU recruit Jimmy Benson earned the win, allowing four earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.