Palm Beach Central Shuts Out Rival Wellington

Jorge Alfonso gearing up to make a pitch.

With great pitching, defense and timely hitting, the Broncos were able to shut down the Wolverines 10-0 in five innings Tuesday night and earn another district victory, improving their District 8A-9 record to 2-0.

Broncos starting pitcher Jorge Alfonso threw four great innings of shutout baseball. Alfonso was able to contain the Wolverines’ bats to allow no runs, no walks, and only three hits. 

“I didn’t have the greatest stuff tonight,” said Alfonso.   “I relied on our defense to make plays, which they did.  They definitely had my back.”  Alfonso only recorded one strikeout in the four innings.  The rest were groundouts or fly outs to the defense. 

Bronco’s shortstop Danny Hernandez, who scored two runs, was involved in eight of the fourteen puts outs.

“Proud of how the team played tonight,” Palm Beach Central Manager Scott Benedict said. “Jorge threw a great game, even though it seemed he wasn’t at his best, but our defense was able to make plays behind him  which helped him with his confidence and we were able to score runs when the opportunities arose.”

The Broncos (5-1) really took over in the fourth inning by scoring six runs due to some timely hitting and defensive mistakes from the Wolverines defense. 

Already up 8 – 0, Central right fielder Shane Sawczak hit a shot towards the right center gap which allowed Ian Hagenmiller and Jameel Edney, who hit back-to-back singles previously, to score. 

That would be enough to earn a victory, as the Broncos didn’t give the Wolverines (4-3, 0-2 in 8A-9) much of a chance to make a comeback.

Coach Benedict congratulating his team after the victory.

The Wolverines starter Mike Rodriguez battled for three innings followed by relievers Jeremy Panakos, Nick Lawrence, and Anthony Mancuso.

Unfortunately, this is not the type of game that the Wolverines were fond of.  The Wolverines have been shut out the last two games against Central and have made mental mistakes on defense.  Costly throwing errors by the defense allowed the Broncos to set themselves up for the victory Tuesday.

“Thought we swung the bats well tonight, no complaints there,” said Wellington Coach Scott Riddle.  “Seems like we are doing everything perfect during practice, but when the game starts we tighten up.  Disappointing, but we will continue working hard and getting better.”

Up next for Palm Beach Central they will host Auburndale on Friday. Wellington will host district rival Dwyer Friday night as well.

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