Pine Crest Wins First District Game Since 2009, Pierson Shines

Pompano ace, Ryan Richman, has not experienced much failure so far this season. In fact, Richman had been nothing short of remarkable in his first two outings, throwing back to back no-hitters against Coconut Creek and Northeast. On Tuesday, Richman was tested again in his team’s first district game of the year against Pine Crest.

The Panthers appeared unimpressed with the Pompano ace, scoring six runs in the first and then cruising to an 11-1 win on seventeen total hits. Pine Crest improved their record to 3-1 on the young season, and more importantly, picked up their first district win since 2009.

Michael Pierson, Pine Crest’s pitcher, and the barrage of hits by the entire team, were the stories of this game. Pierson retired ten of the last twelve batters he faced. The only player he struggled with was Pompano’s lead off hitter, Kenny Harrell, who had a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate. Pierson was not only strong on the mound, but special at the plate as well on this afternoon, going a perfect 4-for-4.

When asked to comment on Pierson’s afternoon, winning coach, Glen Pierson, admitted it is difficult to comment on his players performance, being that Michael is his son.

“I have to make sure that this is the coach speaking,” he said. In short, Pierson said of his son, “He works very hard on his game… hitting, pitching and at short.”

And what about Pompano’s Richman?

“We talked about it and we knew that young man has had some success. Our practice yesterday was geared towards having a good approach at the plate. Putting a good swing on the ball and giving ourselves a chance. They really rose to the occasion,” he said, referring to his team’s five inning, seventeen hit barrage. “I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like it. Today was our first District win since 2009, so I can tell you, this means a lot to this team,” Pierson concluded.

While the younger Pierson shined at the plate, others contributed mightily as well. Zack Kone had three singles and Zack Kessinger added a walk, a single and a double.

Pompano Beach head coach George Petik did find something positive on the afternoon for his team. Talking about second baseman Kenny Harrell’s performance, Petik beamed, “He’s really swinging a hot bat. Kenny’s playing baseball like a man. He’s hitting nothing but ropes. I don’t think he’s been out maybe once or twice all season.”

As for Richman’s tough night, Petik understood that this was only one game.

“Ryan’s going to be fine. We played some teams we were better than last week. Ryan was flat today. Everything was up, and everything they hit, they hit hard, and found holes. That’s just the way it goes. We talk about character and about how baseball doesn’t build character, it reveals character. So we’ll see how we bounce back.”

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