Seminole Ridge Gets Big Win Against Palm Beach Central

When asked to characterize his team before its game with Pal Beach Central, Seminole Ridge Manager Trent Pendergast offered that his club has some good pitching, but is not an offensive juggernaut. His team then went out and scored multiple runs in each inning to run away with a lopsided 23-0 victory in the 8A-9 contest played at Seminole Ridge.

With a cold front coming in off Lake Okeechobee, the Hawks were in their element amid the gusty conditions way out west. All evening, Old Glory flew stiffly out to left field. Several fly balls knuckled and changed course repeatedly on their way back to earth, assisting the Hawks in their offensive hurricane.

“Beware of the wind tunnel tonight,” said Pendergast.

The Hawks (4-0) opened scoring with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Jason Aponte stroked a one-out double. Richie Cotromano walked and the duo advanced on a double steal. Kyle Farjad singled to drive in the Aponte, and C.J. Bottiglieri drove a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Cotromano.

The Hawks batted around the order twice in the second inning, scoring 12 runs on seven hits, an error, five walks and C.J. Bottiglieri was twice hit by pitches, the second time giving him an RBI. Highlights included two, two-run singles by Aponte, two singles by Keaton Baird, an RBI double by Kyle Farjad and a bases clearing, three-run triple from David Moss. Aponte was 4-for-5 with two doubles and four RBIs.

The Hawks settled for just batting around once in the third inning, scoring four runs. A walk, two singles and two doubles accounted for the damage, including a two-run double pulled down the left field line by freshman Ryan Batezel. The Hawks did it again in the fourth inning, sending ten men to the plate while scoring five runs. J.C. Raymond, Andrew Attaway and Brett Fiore singled to load the bases, before two errors and a runner reaching base after a dropped third strike brought them home.

Pendergast and the Hawks understood that things do not always click so perfectly.

“I just hope we haven’t used up all our runs tonight,” said Pendergast. “The next time we play Palm Beach Central, I’m sure it’s gonna be a one-run game. They’re an awesome staff, they’ve got a great team. It’s just one of those weird nights.”

After pitching four innings of no-hit ball in a 2-0 win over Cardinal Newman last week, Hawks’ left-hander Kyle Farjad finally gave up a hit in the fourth when A.J. Gallicio singled. Jacob Shue coaxed a walk, but Farjad struck out the next three batters. Farjad gave way to Tommy Dulin.

“It made it easy, taking him out with the hit,” said Pendergast. “He wasn’t happy when I pulled him before he gave up a hit in his last game, but he understands the care we have to give pitch counts.”

The Hawks’ centerfielder Aponte made two fine defensive plays to shut down threats by the Broncos. Jonathan Rosado walked to lead off the game, advancing on a sacrifice bunt by Brad Zippin. Hitting behind the runner, Conner Power grounded out to second, moving Rosado to third base. Savion Harris then lifted a flare to shallow center field that had RBI written all over it, until Aponte swept in to make a diving catch, ending the inning.

After two outs in the fifth inning, the Broncos loaded the bases via a Power single, a walk to Harris and Anthony Gallicchio’s being hit by a pitch. Jacob Shue laced a fastball toward center field. where Aponte made a running, shoe-string catch to end the game.

While not happy, Broncos Manager Scott Benedict showed a sense of humor after the game, and alluded to the Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch.

“The only reason I’m talking to you is so I don’t want to get fined,” said Benedict. “Losing by three touchdowns and a safety… we just went over the mistakes we made tonight. We’ll go back to the drawing board tomorrow.”

Leave a comment using your facebook account!