Jupiter Blanks Boca For Fifth Straight Win

When Manager Joe Giummule took over the Jupiter program last summer, he knew he was walking into one of the most talented teams in Palm Beach. The Warriors had a bunch of returners, with big expectations for the 2025 season.

Then Jupiter went 1-2 in the HSBN First Pitch Elite tournament the first week of the regular season, and although Giummule picked up his 300th win in the opening day win, the 1-2 start was unexpected.

Fast-forward a couple weeks to Thursday night, and the Warriors had one of their best performances of the season, a 9-1 win over Boca. The win was the fifth straight for a Jupiter squad that seems to be getting better, and healthier, with very passing game.

“The guys are starting to understand that talent alone doesn’t win ballgames,” said Giummule. “Approaches at the plate, having a game plan, and executing the little things are key components of not only individual success, but winning baseball.”

The game Thursday was a tight affair early, with the score sitting at 3-1 through four innings. It was in the sixth, however, that the Warriors pulled away, putting up six runs, and opening up a 9-1 lead.

“Boca came into the game at 1-6, but Giummule knew they would be a tough opponent.

“I told the team before the game not to get caught up in their record. I knew they had a Hall of Fame Coach in their assistant Scott Benedict, and he always has something up his sleeve,” said Giummule. “And the guys learned tonight that we can’t always win games with the long ball. Sometimes you have to revert to plan B, and take what the other team gives you, and our guys did that tonight.”

Gabe Graulau and Brady Blanks continued to pace the Warriors offense, combining for four of Jupiter’s seven hits. Colton Schwarz added two runs, and Ryan Senecal had two RBIs.

While the offensive performances were big, there was one player that stuck out for Giummule. Klay Ilhardt, one year to the day removed from Tommy John surgery, had a successful return to the mound, throwing an inning, allowing no hits, and striking out a batter.

“Tonight was a really special night for Klay and his family,” said Giummule. “He is one piece to the puzzle we are happy to have back. We are still missing three pitchers that we expected to eat up innings for us, and two offensive starters. But getting Klay back provided a big lift for the entire team tonight.”

The Warriors will need some of those players back over the next few weeks, as their schedule gets significantly more challenging. Jupiter will face American Heritage-Plantation tonight, and then district rival Wellington, and defending state champion North Broward Prep are both on the horizon. All three teams are expected to be ranked high on Monday, when the first HSBN Power Rankings of the season come out.

Boca, who has had a tough start to their season, will also be facing three expected highly ranked teams over the next week, when they travel to play St. John Paul today, before a home game against Spanish River, and a road match up versus four time defending state champion Douglas, next week.

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