Jupiter Christian Remains Perfect in 3A-14

Nick Constantakos struck out 10 over five innings while not allowing a hit. He also had an RBI at the plate.

Starting pitcher Nick Constantakos threw five innings of no hit ball, and the Jupiter Christian Eagles topped the Coral Springs Christian Crusaders 5-0 to stay undefeated in district play.

The Eagles got to the Crusaders right out of the gate. After a strikeout to lead off the first, their next four hitters reached base, including RBI singles from Constanakos and catcher Sean Farmer.

After adding a third run in the third on an Evan Peterson sacrifice, Alex Gomez came up and hit a hard ball at the shortstop in the fourth that brought in another two runs. In total on the night Jupiter Christian managed five hits, but scored five runs off of those timely hits.

“We are big on manufacturing runs,” Jupiter Christian manager Mike Lord said. “They are learning how to push and drag and scrap for runs and I was a little ticked when they had second and third and one out and couldn’t put the ball in play. I keep telling them you never know how many runs you’re going to need.”

Those five runs would be more than enough on the night for the Eagles with the way Constantakos was dominating on the mound. Over his five innings, he struck out 10 batters, while seeing only one above the minimum batters faced.

“We kind of expect that. That’s his bar,” Lord said. “The thing I’m happy with from him this year is first pitch strikes, he’s not overthrowing. If you saw him you saw he was smooth and not overtaxing his arm at all. I feel like he’s pitching and not just throwing. So when he’s on the mound we always feel like there’s a chance for us.”

Constantakos had a good command of his fastball on the night, while also mixing in some off speed stuff to keep the Crusaders off guard.

“My fastball was working and they couldn’t hit it so I just kept on pounding it,” Constantakos said. “I threw a little bit of curve and changeup but I didn’t need it that much because they couldn’t hit the fastball.”

Pitcher Kevin Gutierrez and catcher Ernesto Ortega meet at the mound.

After Constantakos left the game in the fifth, Reed Burke came in and picked up right where Nick left off. He came in and retired the side in order in the sixth. Heading into the final inning with a combined no-hitter, Burke got a quick out on a strikeout. Coral Springs Christian designated hitter came to the plate and hit a single, marking the first Crusader batter to get on base via a hit on the night. Strikeouts on two of the next three batters ended the game, giving the tandem of Constantakos and Burke a final line of 7 innings pitched while allowing just one hit and striking out 12 batters.

“I was real happy with Reed because he’s a sophomore and he just throws strikes,” Lord said. “That’s what we talk to these kids about. You have a 70% chance of getting and out if you just throw a strike. Guys will get themselves out. He’s done great. He comes in and compliments Nick because he is a little slower and throws more breaking balls. It’s a good combo between them.”

For Coral Springs Christian, it’s about progress and improving with each game.

“We played a better game then we have been playing,” manager Steve Carp said. “We still aren’t hitting the ball. The first kid overpowered us and we have a lot of young guys which can make it a little tough out there. It’s good for them to see and hopefully it helps with their growth.”

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