Calvary Christian Falls 1-0 To American Heritage Delray In Class 3A

The Eagles were pitching their hearts out.

The problem was, so was the other guy.

Calvary Christian came out on the wrong end of a tough pitcher’s duel as host American Heritage-Delray prevailed 1-0 behind a two-hit complete-game shutout from ace Dylan Silva in a Class 3A regional quarterfinal played at Picow Family Stadium in Delray Beach. It was the third consecutive season Heritage has ended Calvary’s season in the regional quarterfinals.

“It was a pitching duel, and we just couldn’t put an inning together against their guy,” Eagles coach Gregg Mucerino said. “They are a great team, and we wish them well. We are not disappointed at all; we just wish we could have put one inning on him.”

The Stallions (19-7) will host Summit Christian in a Class 3A regional semifinal on Tuesday at American Heritage-Delray.

Realizing that runs were going to come at a premium price on this night, Calvary got outstanding pitching performances on its side of the field as well.

Senior Austin Sovay got the start for the Eagles (17-9), and the big right-hander answered the bell in matching Silva pitch for pitch and pitching into the fifth inning while allowing only two hits and three walks and recording four strikeouts.

Anfernee Seymour came in to score the game’s only run after drawing a leadoff walk, but Sovay tightened from there, as did his defense behind him.

“It is rewarding, because this region is the toughest in the state. We knew this would be a tough game and it was,” Heritage coach Carm Mazza said. “Calvary battled tonight and they are a good team, and it feels good to get the win.”

Calvary did not commit any errors in the loss, providing all the support it could to back Sovay and reliever Andrew Liberty, who pitched the final inning and two-thirds.

Liberty was also 1-for-1 and drew a pair of walks to reach base in all three of his at bats, and Ryan Reilly was 1-for-3 to record the team’s only other hit.

Four of the five baserunners the Eagles had on the night came with two outs, and the other was wiped out on a 4-6-3 double play. They were just unable to mount any threat against the tough lefty Silva, who will pitch for Florida State next season.

“My hat’s off to him. That’s why he’s going to FSU next year,” Mucerino said. “It was a great season and the kids really rose to the challenge after we graduated 10 seniors. I am sad for the seniors, but this is a young group that grew up a lot this year, and we’re better for it down the road.”

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