Archbishop McCarthy Tops North Broward Prep in Extra Innings

Two Broward powerhouses, Archbishop McCarthy and North Broward Prep met last night in a non-district match-up. The fast-paced, extra inning contest, was won by host McCarthy 3-2 when Ivan Santos clubbed a long, game-winning RBI double to right center field, scoring Nick Basto from second in the bottom of inning nine.                                                                    
Mavericks starting pitcher Alex Fernandez threw the first four innings, yielding one run on an RBI single to left by Eagles catcher Christian Correa in the fourth, which evened the score 1-1.  Josean Lazaro scored the run, having reached on a walk, before stealing second.

McCarthy had stranded Jose Brizuela in the first after he doubled down the line in right.  In the next frame, a beautiful catch by NBP’s center fielder Jecid Tarazona prevented Nick Travieso from scoring after Travieso had stroked a one out single to left.

After Chris Thompson’s one out third inning double, Fernandez grounded to Josean Lazaro.  A quick check of the runner, a strong throw to first and a wild throw back to third, allowed Thompson to score the frames only run.

Mavericks head coach Rich Bielski was pleased with Fernandez’ outing. 

“He really came out and pitched very well,  walked a few more guys than we would like to have seen, but he was very efficient and kept the ball down,” said Bielski.  “He really should have come out with the win tonight if we play a little better defense behind him, but he pitched very well and had three pitches going for him.”

Commenting on Santos’ game winner in the ninth, coach Bielski had this to say.

“Ivan has been a clutch hitter his whole career at McCarthy and him winning the game tonight is no surprise to me.  If the game’s on the line, I love having Ivan up at the plate.  He lives for those situations.”

“We really should have scored more runs tonight,” the coach added. “Having some sloppy base running didn’t help us, but it’s coming around. It’s early in the season. We’re going to fix those and keep getting better and better.”

A dramatic one out homer in the top of the seventh by the Eagles Correa evened the score at two apiece.  However, NBP just couldn’t manage to get their potent bats going on this night.

Ryan Castellanos picked up the win in relief, pitching a scoreless ninth inning, while Mike Vigliarolo took the loss for North Broward Prep.

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