Knapp, Pitts, Butler Power Coral Springs Christian to District Win

Both teams started off the first inning with a hit. For the Westminster Academy Lions, the hit would be their last. For the Coral Springs Christian Crusaders, it would be the first hit of a barrage of hits on the night where two batters took shots at the cycle and another hit two homeruns.

Kevin Knapp hit a triple in the first and then scored on an error, which set the stage for Kyle Pitts’ two-run blast over the left field fence – which gave the Crusaders a quick three to nothing lead.

Knapp and Pitts both had 5-for-5 nights, each with a chance to hit for the cycle in their last at-bats.

“I didn’t even know it,” Coach Matt Cleveland said of the possibility of both his star players hitting for the cycle. “Those two guys have been starting on Varsity since they were in the ninth grade. They are our two best players and they’re both going to Division I schools.” (Pitts will be swinging the lumber for Stetson, while his long time teammate will be heading to South Alabama.)

Entering the third inning with an 8-0 lead, the Crusaders were not finished hitting and scoring runs. Knapp began by singling to left and he advanced to second on a wild pitch. Derek Barra promptly singled him home and went to second when Pitts also singled. After two outs, two walks, and two singles upped the score to 13-0, Knapp came up for the second time in the inning.

Having already collected a single, double and triple in his first three plate appearances, all he needed was a round-tripper for the cycle. But all he managed was a two-run double.

When asked if he was disappointed, he replied, “Well, my second double was only a few feet short of going out. Yes, I was conscious of it. Got a little anxious, but I’ll take the hits.”

Pitts started the fourth inning looking for a triple to complete his cycle, but had to settle for a single. He did, however, come home when cleanup batter, and Crusaders catcher, Zach Butler, scorched his second two-run homer of the night, well beyond the left field fence to close out the scoring.

“He’s got the best bat speed I’ve coached in nine years,” Coach Cleveland said proudly of his powerful catcher. “He’s so strong, he can hit balls over the light poles.”

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