Ponte Vedra Sharks13
Trinity Prep Saints 5
The Ponte Vedra Sharks jumped out to an early lead and staved off of late rally Trinity Prep to win their Day 3 matchup at the FHSI.
Chase Hahnemann was a one man wrecking crew for the Sharks. He started things off for Ponte Vedra in the first inning with a leadoff double, and would score on a Hunter Hallstrom fielder’s choice. Then in the second inning, things really took off. Five of the first six batters reached base safely, and Ponte Vedra would eventually score four runs on six hits in the inning. Hahnemann would strike again in the third inning, ripping another double that would score Mikey Williams. Austin Sizemore’s single in the next at bat would then score Hahnemann, making the score 7-0.
Trinity Prep was able to rally in the top of the fourth inning thank to some miscues from Ponte Vedra. With one out, Jared Herron would reach on a double. Four of the next five batters would then reach base via walk to plate two runs. After a pitching change, a wild pitch, an error and a single would score three more runs making the score 7-5. Unfortunately for the Saints, they would return the favor of errors in the 5th. The Sharks were able to score six times in the frame thanks to three hit batsmen, an error, a wild pitch and two hits to put the game out of reach. Hahnemann would finish the game 3-3 with two doubles, a walk, four runs and an RBI.
Royal Palm Beach Wildcats 3
Lake Brantley Patriots 0
Triston McKenzie of Royal Palm Beach was able to outduel Bryce Tucker and the Lake Brantley Patriots in a close Day 3 matchup to advance on the winner’s side of the bracket.
McKenzie is one of the highest profile names in the entire FHSI. A Vanderbilt commit, the lanky right hander was able to shutout the Patriots for five innings, allowing just two hits and a hit batsmen while showcasing his 92 MPH fastball and solid breaking balls. Not to be outdone, Bryce Tucker of Lake Brantley was equally impressive for five innings. The future UCF Knight ran into a spot of trouble in the sixth however.
With one out in the frame, Sean Houck reached on a base hit. Troy Hamilton would advance him to 2nd on a bunt. The sacrifice worked to perfection as Brandon Hernandez would plate Houck with an RBI single in the next at bat. McKenzie would then help himself, hitting a single of his own that would score Hernandez thanks to an error on the shortstop. The Wildcats would add an insurance run in the 7th, though it was unnecessary with Sean Houck on to close out the game and earn the save. Houck would finish the game 2-3 with a run and RBI, plus two innings pitched, allowing just two hits and striking out one.
Palm Beach Central Broncos 5
Gibbs Eagles 2
The PBC Broncos received solid production from the bottom of their lineup and an efficient start from Jamisen Bouchillion to earn a 5-2 win over Gibbs on Wednesday.
The Broncos got one the board quickly, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Leadoff man Brad Zippin singled and stole second base. He would eventually score two batters later thanks to a passed ball and wild pitch. Conner Power would later score on an error off the bat of Hunter Gunn. They would then add to their lead in the 2nd inning. Dalton Gunn reached on a single, and would then score thanks to a wild pitch and error. Anthony Galliccio’s single two batters later would score Chris Aubry to extend the lead to 4-0.
A Grant Crosby single in the top of the fourth put Gibbs on the board, and Peyton Sawyer’s double in the 6th made the score 4-2. However, Cameron Lauer was able to quell the rally by striking out the next two batters and inducing a popout. He would then finish the game with a scoreless 7th inning to help Central to their first win at the tournament. Dalton Gunn led the Broncos, going 2-3 with a run scored.
Edmond Santa Fe (OK) Wolves 1
University Christian Christians 0
Zach Moore didn’t start the game for Edmond Santa Fe, but boy did he finish it. After delivering the go-ahead RBI in the top of the 9th inning, he fired his third shutout inning to help the Wolves win a 1-0 extra inning thriller.
The two teams in this matchup were fighting for the final spot in the semi-finals of the winner’s bracket. The two starting pitchers, Tyler Kleiwer (ESF) and Dillon Pate (UC), did more than their fair share to keep their respective teams alive.
Pate opened the game baffling the Wolves with a beautiful knuckle curve. His location throughout the night was impressive, and he ended up allowing just three hits and one walk in seven innings of work. He was able to strikeout seven hitters, twice stranding two runners on base to end innings. Kleiwer was able to match him, though he used a different method. The Christians had trouble catching up to his impressive fastball throughout the night as seen by his nine strikeouts in six innings. He allowed just four hits and didn’t walk a batter in his outing.
University had a great chance to end the game in the eighth inning. Tyler Jarrell would lead off the winning with a single. A sac bunt from Tyler Johnson would move Jarrell to second base. After a walk to Ricky Boyette, both runners were able to advance after an errant pickoff attempt by the catcher. With me on 2nd and 3rd with one out, Gage Bishop hit a sharp grounder back to the mound, but Moore was able to pick it cleanly and throw to first for out number two. Moore would then strike out Conner Johnson to end the threat.
In the top of the 9th, Ryan Sanderson reached on a two walk. Garrett Russell would deliver a single in the next at bat, which moved Sanderson to third base. Moore would then take a 3-2 offering over the shortstop’s head into left field for the go ahead RBI. He then closed out the game in the bottom half to secure the win. Moore ended 1-1 at the plate with the RBI and had 3 IP with one hit, one walk and four strikeouts.
Thursday’s Games
Sanford Memorial Stadium
9 AM – Gibbs vs. Trinity Prep
11:30 AM – Edmond Santa Fe vs. Royal Palm Beach
2 PM – Lake Mary vs. Tampa Prep
4:30 PM – Dwyer vs. Barron Collier
7 PM – Seminole vs. Chiles
Lake Brantley High School
9 AM – Lake Brantley vs. University Christian
11:30 – Palm Beach Central vs. Ponte Vedra
2 PM – Palm Beach Gardens vs. American Heritage