Pope John Paul II Edges American Heritage-Delray 2-0

Alex Bialakis tossed a one-hitter to spark Pope John Paul II to its upset win over host American Heritage-Delray.

Pope John Paul II did it again.

Led by Alex Bialakis’ dominating pitching performance, the Eagles upset American Heritage-Delray in the district playoffs for the second consecutive year.

The junior right-hander pitched a one-hitter, striking out 10, as fourth-seeded Pope John Paul II edged the top-seeded Stallions 2-0 in a 4A-13 semifinal Tuesday night.

The Eagles (11-16) will play Cardinal Newman, which defeated The King’s Academy 4-2, in the district championship game Thursday at 7 p.m. at American Heritage-Delray.

Last year, Pope John Paul II beat American Heritage-Delray in the district final when they were in Class 3A.

Bialakis struggled earlier in the season but worked hard to correct his mechanics during bullpen sessions and it paid off.

“He’s just been getting better and better and better as the year went on,” said Pope John Paul II Manager Pete Graffeo. “Down the stretch, he’s been coming on. I feel like I have four top quality starters who can get the job done, but he did a great job. He’s a bulldog; he’s been like that since I’ve known him.”

Bialakis gave up a lead-off single on a 3-2 pitch to Lucious Fox in the first inning. He did not walk anybody and left four runners stranded throughout the game.

“This is by far the best game I pitched,” said Bialakis, whose nickname is Chunga. “I was more mentally prepared for this game. All I thought about was to throw strikes. I had the feeling in my fingers from the beginning of the game. I felt like I was throwing harder in the last two innings than I was in the beginning.”

Bialakis, who was effective with his off-speed pitches as well as his fastball, struck out the side in the seventh to end the game.

American Heritage-Delray (17-9) beat Pope twice during the regular season and Stallions Manager Carm Mazza watched the Eagles several other times.

“We followed them closely, we’re big rivals,” said Mazza. “This was definitely his best game. He saved it for the best moment. He just had that off-speed pitch working early and that set the tone.”

Senior Anthony Hotujec allowed just two runs in his final start for American Heritage-Delray.

Stallions’ senior right-hander Anthony Hotujec allowed single runs in the second and third innings and Bialakis made them stand up.

In the second inning, Cale Brader led off with a single, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Bialakis and scored on Evan Schaffner’s two-out single.

In the third inning, Domenick Baldino reached first on a fielder’s choice, stole second, and scored on Christian Falgon’s single to center.

Hotujec only allowed three more baserunners through the end of the sixth inning. He finished with five strikeouts. Brendan Brundage pitched the seventh for the Stallions.

Senior center-fielder Todd Isaacs saved several runs for the Stallions, using his elite speed to chase down balls in the gaps. They return most of their starters next season.

“A lot of young men grew up this season,” said Mazza. “There’s a there’s a nice core (returning). After last year having this happen here, this one is painful. They’re really hurting.”

Graffeo knew it would be a tight game the entire way but thought his team was prepared and confident.

“I’m proud of my team,” said Graffeo. “They played hard, they battled. It was a tough year for us. We had some tough games, some tough losses. We set up a tough schedule. They just came with a lot of emotion. They wanted it. This is what it’s all about. Our record wasn’t pretty during the regular season. Our goal was to get back to this spot, battle for the districts again and move on.”

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