Royal Palm Beach Claims District Title With Win Over Forest Hill

Bryan Ofarrill stands in to start the second inning for Forest Hill.

The Royal Palm Beach Wildcats were firing on all cylinders Thursday night as they claimed the school’s first district title under head coach Brian Joros by defeating Forest Hill in District 7A-13. The Wildcats won 10-0 in six innings as the offense clicked and Justin Lauginiger tossed another gem.

“Justin’s been the best all year,” said his twin brother, Jordan Lauginiger. “He’s our legitimate ace.”

Although Justin was dominant, it was the Wildcats balance on this night that was most remarkable. The Wildcats went to work in the bottom of the first. After the leadoff man was retired, Royal Palm banged out six hits and sent eight consecutive batters on base. Batting in the fifth spot, Dakota Mitchell busted the inning open with a bases-loaded double that scored two. Out of the nine slot, Justin Douglas drove in two more with a single. After a pitching change, the Falcons managed to get out of the inning, but by the end, they were looking at an 8-0 deficit.

The Wildcats added two more runs in the fourth and the sixth, respectively. Meanwhile, the Falcons simply could not get anything started against Lauginiger. A bunt single in the fifth was the only hit of the night for Forest Hill, and Lauginiger was only four batters over the minimum in his six innings of action.

“You can’t win if you don’t score,” said Forest Hill head coach Russ Milliken. “But we’re gonna bounce back. We’re going to go practice Friday, Monday and Tuesday, and we’ll come back ready to go. We’re going to spike up one more time and go out there at them.”

The Falcons plan to throw their ace Mike Murray in their first game of regionals when they will play at Atlantic on Wednesday. Royal Palm Beach will host West Boca.

The Wildcats take turns hoisting the district championship trophy.

“This is the first time Royal Palm has ever won it,” Wildcats head coach Brian Joros said. “In the past few years, the seniors helped change the culture of the program. When I did my senior night, the one thing I said about these guys is that they are all so coachable and they all work so hard. They show it every time they come out.”

Even the players are aware of their school’s history.

“I think [Royal Palm Beach] was runner-up when [Jarrod] Saltalamacchia was here,” Justin Lauginiger said. “It’s an amazing feeling knowing that we got to go out there and win a championship tonight. It’s everyone’s first time around, and we’re all excited for the opportunity, especially because we’ll be able to play at home.”

Left-hander Carmine Ventoliere came in and pitched four and two-thirds innings in relief, surrendering just two runs on four hits. Jose Crespo’s hit in the fourth inning broke up Justin Lauginiger’s no-hitter and the Falcons also drew two base on balls along with a hit batsman.

Eight players scored for Royal Palm, and Connor Brennan was 3-for-3 with two singles, a double and two RBI.

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