Palm Beach Gardens Downs Pace To Continue Strong Start

Pavin Smith led the Gators offense by going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

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One constant over the last several baseball seasons has been the meeting between Palm Beach Gardens and Monsignor Pace. On Tuesday night that tradition continued, as the Gators traveled to Miami Gardens for their annual clash.

The Gators have started strong out of the gates this season, and that was mirrored in the way they jumped ahead early to cruise to a 14-1 victory. Gardens earned its fourth road victory on this early season, and the team executed on all levels Tuesday night.

“They didn’t throw strikes and their pitchers struggled a little bit, but I thought our hitters were disciplined at the plate and laid off some pitches,” said Gators Manager Joe Russo. “So that was good to see. I felt like our pitching was outstanding, and every guy we ran out there seemed to do a really, really good job. I’m happy to see that and that we were able to get those guys in.”

Gardens (5-1) scored five runs in the first inning to take control right away. Nick Horvath drew a leadoff walk, moved to second on an infield groundout by Sendle Jean and then stole third. Pavin Smith worked the count to his favor and took the free pass to first, only then to initiate a double-steal that worked to bring Horvath home with the first run of the contest.

The Gators were patient and worked the pitcher to their reward, as the next three batters walked to allow Tyler Farrell to push Smith in with the deciding run on an RBI walk.

“Sometimes it can be tough but you have to be patient and mature hitters,” Russo said. “They showed some maturity there by laying off and we got some bunts down and did a few things.”

Gardens batted around the order and added six more runs in the second. The Spartans (1-6) struggled defensively, and several miscues led to big plays by the Gators. With a starting unit that includes six freshmen, Pace has struggled on defense to start the season.

“Right now we’re a glorified jv team. That’s what we are. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it,” said Spartans Manager Tom Duffin. “We got outclassed tonight and there was no question we didn’t belong on the field with them. Once we got down the kids sort of expected the fact that we were going down the drain, and that’s going to stop. If they’re going to continue to give me that effort then I will play with our jv or freshman team.”

Gators Manager Joe Russo and Spartans Manager Tom Duffin.

Smith finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored, Horvath reached base all four trips to the plate and scored three times. Cam Romine also delivered a big hit with a shot to left-center field for an RBI single in the second.

Austin Wilson tossed three shutout innings and recorded four strikeouts to earn the victory, improving to 2-1 on the year.

Although this installment was not quite as much the nail-biter as in most previous cases, Russo and the Gators know they can expect a tough and dangerous Spartans squad when they host them next year.

“They’re going to get better. They are a good program and a good club. They’re well coached and I have no doubt that they’re going to get better by the end of the year,” said Russo. “We love playing these guys; they are a class program and I respect the coaches a lot. It’s great that we’ve had this relationship for the last several years and be able to do it. They will certainly bounce back. They’ve got a lot of young players and they’re going to be tough down the road, there’s no question.”

The respect between these two programs has worked to make this friendly rivalry even more with time, as it has grown to reach a part of their rich program traditions. Both Russo and Duffin have strong beliefs in maintaining traditions, and they appreciate the chance to keep this series part of that.

“Joe’s a great coach and he runs a great program. He always has his players prepared,” said Duffin. “Tonight was a shame and we threw in the towel after going down five runs. They need to grow up and understand that I don’t care what grade you are in. You have got to give forth the effort.”

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