Calvary Wraps Up Top Seed In District 14-2A With 8-0 Win Over CS Christian

In a showdown for the top seed in District 14-2A, hits dominated the game. They were not however, the type of hits you might have expected.

Calvary Christian stroked only six base hits on their way to an 8-0 victory over Coral Springs Christian yesterday afternoon, locking up the number one seed in the upcoming post season District tournament.

Another six Eagles batters were awarded first base without actually making contact, but rather by being hit by a pitch. When asked to comment on the unusually high number, making note of the four Crusaders to reach base the same way.

“Both clubs are trying to command the inside half [of the plate] and sometimes that happens,” said Calvary Head Coach Greg Mucerino, when speaking of the ten hit batters in the game.

Calvary’s lead-off hitter, Emilio DeSilva opened the game by being the first of ten batters who got on base by taking one for the team. Unfortunately for Crusaders catcher, Zach Butler, the pitch he took to the back of his head, resulted in a trip to the hospital for precautionary x-rays.

“I hope he’s OK,” said a concerned Coach Mucerino, adding “He’s a good kid and it was a very unfortunate incident.”

The Eagles opened the scoring in the second inning. After Dalton Dinatale reached base on an error, Anthony Avila drilled the first of his three hits, a laser-shot up the middle. Two batters later, Dinatale scored from third on a wild pitch for the first run of the game. DeSilva’s long foul RBI sac fly down the right field line scored Avila for a 2-0 Eagles lead.

Third inning singles by Calvary’s Taylor Gushue and Avila, in addition to a costly passed ball, upped the lead to 4-0.

As the game progressed CS Christian starter Ryan Morse continued having problems locating his pitches. Stephen Barnett opened the fourth with a free pass. One out later, three consecutive Eagles were hit by pitches and Morse was done for the afternoon, but not before the score had reached 6-0 on the strength of only three base hits.

Meanwhile Seth Natal was cruising along in a good groove before feeling some discomfort in his arm. After a lengthy timeout, Coach Mucerino removed him with two down in the fifth in favor of Chris Walkerow. Despite being pulled from the game, Natal was pleased with his performance.

“Probably my best outing of the season,” said Natal, the winning pitcher, after the game.

“We’re always concerned when we have to take someone out in the middle of an inning,” said Mucerino, adding, “I think he had a muscle spasm up in the tricep area, so I think he’ll be just fine.”

DeSilva’s sixth inning double and Avila’s second RBI single sandwiched around a pair of walks and the lead reached 8-0, closing out the scoring on the afternoon.

“I just go with the coach’s hitting approach,” said Avila, when asked about his three hit performance. ” With two strikes, choke up, spread out, lock in. Look for the fastball and adjust to the curve.”

Coach Mucerino added, ” Anthony’s had some big hits for us recently. He’s really committed to the approach that we’re working on. He’s one of those guys that when he gets hot, he can carry you for a while. He’s a streaky guy and it’s good to see him going so well now.”

Leave a comment using your facebook account!