Somerset Academy Wins Instant Thriller 11-10 Over Belen

There is a game that occurs every year during the regional semifinals, that steals the spotlight away from all the other games. A game so spectacular and thrilling, that it will be remembered for decades by all who was in attendance.

On Friday, there were 19 games played with teams from Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami. The first 18 of those games saw the higher seed, and home team, win.

Then there was a game being played down south that went late into the night.

Somerset Academy traveled to face Belen Jesuit, and for most of the evening, Belen seemed to be in control.

Then, down to their final strike, down three runs, the Panthers’ Matthew Farinas stepped into the box, and delivered a game-tying, three-run home run.

Somerset would then take the lead 11-10 in the top of the 12th on an RBI double off the bat of Alan Sanchez, then hold on in the bottom of the 12th, securing a program-defining 11-10 regional quarterfinal win.

“This was just an instant classic,” said Somerset Manager Juan Mora. “We have nothing but respect for Belen, and the program they have down here. Jesse (Fernandez) does a great job over there with that program. They are just a very respectable, great team. I am proud of how our guys kept fighting all night. And to get a win down here is special.”

Somerset actually took an early lead in this one, when an error and a Ryan Marichal sacrifice fly led to a 2-0 lead in the first.

Belen battled right back in their half of the inning. Jose Batista homered, and a bunt single tied the game at two.

In the fourth, the Wolverines took a commanding 7-2 lead, by putting up four runs. Batista had an RBI single in the inning.

The back and forth affair took another turn in the top of the fifth. A walk, Crisangel Filpo single, Brady Mongera base hit, and an executed squeeze by Jay Martinez tied the game back up at seven.

In the bottom of the sixth, it again appeared like Belen had taken control of the game, when Peter Lopez hit a bases clearing double.

That set the state for Farinas’ seventh inning dramatics, and Sanchez’ game-winning double.

“This is such a big win for us,” said Mora. “I am so proud of what these players have done this season, and especially tonight.”

The Panthers now will be faced with the task of heading down to play in one of the toughest high school baseball environments in the entire country, when they travel next weekend to face Key West.

“Tonight was a tribute to our staff, our players, our parents, our school that supports us,” said Mora. “It was an entire effort program win. Now we get to go down to Key West, and we look forward to that challenge. We will see what happens.”

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