Somerset Offense Explodes For Big Win Over Cooper City

The Somerset Academy offense had sputtered in recent games and was looking for a good chance to bounce back with a big performance. Thursday’s HSBN Broward Game of the Week provided the perfect setting for that turnaround, and the Panthers capitalized to club their way to a 13-8 win over host Cooper City. Somerset had 16 hits and every batter in the lineup reached base to contribute.

The Panthers scored five runs in the top of the third inning to break open a tie ball game, and then never looked back.

“We got back on track tonight hitting like we can,” Somerset Manager Onel Garcia said. “It was nice seeing Kenny Moreno-Costa and Jack Khawly having some good at bats.”

Cartaya missed the previous two contests, and Garcia admitted that his return to the lineup is exactly what the team needed. He proved he is the team’s spark plug, collecting two hits, an RBI and a run. The shortstop also extended a personal hitting streak to 17 games.

The Panthers showcased a lot of power, pounding out six extra-base hits. Khawly had the biggest blast of the night when he clubbed a grand slam to cap off a six-run first inning. The freshman has been solid for his club ever since he arrived last year, and his plate discipline helped him collect two hits.

Mark Bejar also homered on a shot that ricocheted off the outfielder’s glove on a great effort in trying to rob the big hit. Micheal Van Degna and Franco Perdomo both doubled for Somerset, while Luis Chavez was 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles.

“Luis is really swinging it,” Garcia said. “He is becoming a complete player, since he’s so good defensively.”

The big offensive showing was not merely limited to the Panthers dugout, as the Cowboys had 10 hits and four extra-base hits as well. Cameron Stadler had a home run and went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, while Jonathan Miller, Steve DiPuglia and Cole Kantor all had doubles. Kantor went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs, and DiPuglia was 2-for-4 with a run.

After Somerset staked starter Ryan Cabarcas with a 6-0 lead, Cooper City bounced back to answer back and even the score at 6-6 heading into the third inning. Cabarcas allowed two earned runs, allowing five hits and a walk and picking up a strikeout.

“We started an eighth-grader that we believe is going to be very good,” Garcia admitted. “But we didn’t help him out defensively. PJ Ximinies pitched well and is now throwing better. We’re going to need him down the stretch.”

Ximinies spelled the youngster Cabarcas in the second, and the veteran hurler struck out four in nearly three full innings of work to earn the victory. Bejar also pitched in relief, before handing things over to Teixeira to close the contest.

Kicking off the festivities for the showcase event, both sides were privileged to have a representative throw out the ceremonial first pitch. For Somerset, that honor went to current medical student and former Panthers two-year captain, Gabby Estevez. Cooper City was represented by city mayor Greg Ross, a public figure who is heavily involved in all the sports aspects in Cooper City.

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