Western Gets Downright Offensive In Win Over Coral Springs Charter

The Western Wildcats have been close the past couple of years to winning their district championship, but each year, they have fallen painfully short. Last year, Western lost to eventual state champion Flanagan in the last inning of the district tournament, and Wednesday it looked as though the returning players were intent on making sure that does not happen again this season.

Although it was only a preseason game, Western showed against Coral Springs Charter that they mean business in 2011. The Wildcats scored early and often and turned what was previously a tight game into a blowout with a seven run third inning, on their way to a 13-3 win. The Wildcats sent an early message that they should be a team to be reckoned with this season.

The game started strong for Coral Springs Charter against Wildcats starter Josh Fellerman. The Panthers scored one run in each of the first three innings and led the game 3-2 heading to the bottom of the third. If the book had been closed there, it would have been a great day for Charter, but unfortunately, the first two innings were only the calm before the storm.

In the Wildcats third, twelve hitter came to plate. By the time the inning was over, Western had exploded for seven runs on six hits. The big blow was a two-run double by lead-off hitter Kyle Harrington.

Hitting behind Harrington was Doug Futch, and as has been the case many times in his Western career, Futch used his body to benefit the team. Futch was hit by a pitch in both the first and fifth innings, leading Western fans into a “here we go again” frenzy.

On the mound, Fellerman struggled to find a rhythm. The starter only lasted 2.1 innings, and gave up three earned runs. The majority of trouble that Fellerman was in came from a lack of command. The lefty walked five while only giving up three hits.

Relieving Fellerman was Ryan Lindsey, and although Western scored seven runs in the third, the way Lindsey threw the ball on this night, two runs and the lead would have been sufficient.

In 2.2 innings of work, Lindsey struck out five and walked none. In fact, the Panthers were unable to muster any offense against Lindsey, who finished his preseason work without giving up a hit. Western Pitching Coach Al Schwach had nothing but praise for Lindsey.

“He’s impressive,” said Schwach. “He’s tough, and smart.”

Head Coach Sonny Hansley added, “He’s a bulldog. He’s a baseball junkie, never leaves the field, and he’s a bright, bright, kid.”

The smarts is something that every high school baseball coach looks for, and in Lyndsey, the Wildcats coaching staff has not only a pitcher they can count on when he is on the mound, but also one that takes his off the field responsibilities seriously. Lindsey carries a grade point average of over 4.0 in the classroom.

Western will play their final preseason game on Friday against Coral Springs Christian. Coral Springs Charter will attempt to right the ship when they face Cooper City Friday afternoon. Both games will be played at Western High School.

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