St Thomas Wins The Regional Semi Series Of The Weekend

When the FHSAA, and the powers that be, drew up this years plan for the regional playoffs, it stands to reason that series’ that West Boca and St. Thomas just played, capped by games within those series’ like the one that occured Saturday night, were exactly what they had in mind.

After the Raiders won Friday, and the Bulls Saturday, both with strong pitching performances, things went haywire Saturday night.

The teams combined to use 11 pitchers, score 29 runs, and put on a thrilling show for all in attendance. In the end, a Nico Sabatino two-RBI double closed out a wild series, with the defending champion Raiders winning 15-14, and advancing to the regional finals.

“The heart that our guys showed tonight was special,” said St. Thomas Manager Joey Wardlow. “I am proud of the way they kept battling. They never quit, even when we were behind late.”

So how exactly did this series play out?

On Friday, Julian Diaz went six innings on the mound, allowing two runs, while striking out eight.

Brady Buxbaum hit two home runs, and had three RBIs. Kaio Ramos had two hits and two runs, and Mauricio Clement added two RBIs, as the Raiders took game one.

In the first game Saturday, West Boca answered back, with Max McDougall throwing six shutout innings, allowing only two hits.

Pierce Weyland went 3-for-3 in the game, with a home run, and all five RBIs in the 5-0 Bulls win.

That set the stage for the wildest game of the weekend.

Early in game three, it appeared that St. Thomas was going to show they were the better, and deeper team, scoring six runs in the first three innings, building a 6-1 lead.

After a scoreless fourth inning, the fireworks started in the fifth. West Boca sent 13 batters to the plate, scoring seven runs, and taking an 8-6 lead.

The Raiders immediately answered with four of their own in the fifth, re-taking the lead at 11-8.

West Boca, however, wasn’t done. After their seven run fifth, the Bulls put up another six runs in the sixth, going back on top 14-10.

St. Thomas cut the lead in half with two runs in their half of the sixth.

That set up possibly the biggest moment of the game. With both teams pitching struggling, Buxbaum came on and gave the Raiders a shutout inning in the top of the seventh.

In the bottom of the inning, a groundout, and singles by Trace Zalman and Matthew Conger, put runners on first and second. Jaden Doverspike, who went 4-for-6 on the day, delivered one of those four hits, to cut the lead to 14-13.

After a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, Nico Sabatino stepped to the plate, and after working a 2-2 count, hit the game-winning, two RBI double, securing the 15-14 Raiders win.

“All year long, if we get in a situation in a game where Nico Sabatino can win a game for us, we are all confidsent that he will get it done,” said Wardlow.

The win ensures that St. Thomas will be at home next week, when they face one of the top teams in Miami, Southridge, with an opportunity to go to the state final four on the line.

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