Maloney Powers Stallions Past Saints 2-1 In Regional Semifinal

Starting pitcher Dylan Arnold of American Heritage helped the Stallions reach the regional final.

Senior Trevor Maloney chose the right time to hit his first home run of the season.

The senior’s two-run homer in the third inning helped American Heritage hold off rival Summit Christian 2-1 in a Class 3A regional semifinal Tuesday night in Delray Beach. It was American Heritage’s fourth win in five meetings between the teams this season — the third by one run.

Heritage, which also defeated the Saints 2-1 in 11 innings for the District 3A-13 title, will host a regional final Friday against the winner of today’s Mater Lakes Academy/Florida Christian game.

Amfernee Seymour drew a one-out walk and scored on Maloney’s line-drive home run over the left-field fence.

“It was definitely one of the biggest hits of my career,” said Maloney, the starting center fielder. “I haven’t hit a ball that hard in a while. It’s always tight against them. They’re a great team.”

Maloney missed about three weeks midway through the season because of tendinitis in his right shoulder.

“We’ve seen (Summit starter Anthony) Delaney and he’s got a nice, live fastball, and Trevor’s a fastball hitter,” said American Heritage head coach Carm Mazza. “Trevor, prior to his injury, he really wasn’t swinging the bat well. As soon as he came back and he got healthy, he gained confidence. We made a couple of adjustments and he’s just swinging the bat great since spring break. We’re really happy with what he’s doing.”

The Stallions (20-7) had a chance to increase their lead in the fourth inning, loading the bases with one out. But Maloney grounded into a 5-2-3 double play to end the threat.

Delaney pitched a complete game, giving up three hits and striking out five but walked four and hit one batter.

“It was extremely tough with bases loaded and not being able to have a little bit of breathing room,” said Mazza. “They’re a good team. It took everything we had. To the last out. I’m proud of the guys. They did a great job.”

American Heritage has scored only five runs in its last three games, winning all by one run.

“We’ve got to scratch and claw and lean on our defense and our pitching,” said Mazza. “We’re going to try to put pressure on the “d” and do what we can and if the bats come around, great, but right now we’re using this formula, pitching and defense.”

Dylan Arnold limited Summit Christian (19-9), the defending Class 1A state champions, to two hits and no runs in five innings. The senior right-hander struck out three, walked one and hit one batter while throwing 72 pitches.

Anthony Delaney pitched well for Summit Christian.

Stallions’ ace Dylan Silva came in to start the sixth inning and retired the side in order on 14 pitches, striking out two.

Interestingly, Silva was replaced by Stallions’ regular closer Josh Glick to start the seventh.

The Saints were able to manufacture a run to cut the margin to 2-1 against Glick.

Sam Murphy hit a one-out, seeing-eye single up the middle and moved to second on a wild pitch. Glick struck out Delaney, but the ball sailed to the backstop, allowing Delaney to reach first and Murphy to move to third.

Dakota Julylia hit a topper in front of the plate and was thrown out at first, but Murphy scored.

Glick ended the game by striking out Shane Swanson on three pitches.

“He (Silva) was dominating and I didn’t want to get too technical with everything, but I liked our matchups in the past with Glick and he’s used to that ball in the seventh,” said Mazza. “So those two things weighed me in that direction.”

“Dylan (Arnold) is an absolute gamer. We were very comfortable with him getting the ball. He’s a big-game guy. He wants the ball. He wants to be the big guy on the mound. Nothing fazes him so we felt real good about it.”

Summit Christian coach John Drouin said he didn’t say much to the team after the game, especially to the seniors who were “devastated.”

“I’m a little disappointed we didn’t hit well,” said Drouin. “A couple of mistakes we made or else we were in the ball game. And that’s the way it’s been the last three times we’ve played them. They’ve been very competitive, good games, great games.”

Drouin is already looking ahead to next season and told his returning players to be prepared to work hard.

“The season starts tomorrow,” said Drouin. “If you don’t want to feel this way again, then you better do something about it. Your destiny is in your hands. I can fill the lineup out and give you a chance to play, but you’ve got to go out and produce. We’ll look forward to next year.”

Leave a comment using your facebook account!