First-inning Explosion Lifts Spanish River Over Saint John Paul

A four-run first inning proved to be enough for Spanish River in the Sharks’ 6-3 upset win over visiting HSBN Palm Beach #9 Saint John Paul II on Thursday.

It was somewhat of a bittersweet victory for Spanish River manager Jose Zabala, whose older son, senior Nico Sabala, played left field for St. John Paul II. His younger son, sophomore Roman Zabala, one the other hand, reached base three times for Spanish River, on a single and a pair of walks.

Winning pitcher Mo Presberg got the party started with a lead-off single and courtesy runner Domenic Salter scored the game’s first run on an error that allowed Jesse Chimenti to reach base and later score on a wild pitch.

The merry-go-round continued with Anthony Diaz scoring on a passed ball and Hayden Simmons capped the inning with an RBI-single that scored Joseph Santone, who singled.

The Sharks added single runs in the second and sixth innings. Presberg and Brennan Barczai led the eight-hit attack with two each.

However, the Eagles battled back with a three-run third inning to slice the deficit to 5-3. Tommy Ciaccio started the rally with a single and later scored on a wild pitch. Beau Rurey then delivered a two-run single, scoring Patrick Mazzamaro and Thomas Velardi to make it a ballgame.

But that’s when the Sharks’ bullpen took over and put the brakes on any further damage. D. Werblow and Jason Rothberg combined for three innings of no-hit relief, preserving the win for Presberg, who worked the first four innings, allowing four hits while striking out four and issuing three walks.

Saint John Paul II, now 8-9-1 on the season, will host the Chaminade Madonna Lions at 4 p.m. Friday.

Spanish River, which improved to 9-8, visits the Columbus Explorers at 6 p.m. Monday.

Leave a comment using your facebook account!