Flanagan, West Broward Advance To District 12-6A Championship Game

Flanagan showed why they are one of the top teams to beat in the county. The Falcons’ deep and powerful lineup made an impact and difference once again with seven home runs, including a pair of round trippers each from center fielder Danny Zardon and third baseman Andres Sanchez en route to a convincing 14-4 victory over Cooper City in the District 12-6A Tournament semifinals.

The Falcons delivered in the clutch with men on base all game, scoring 12 runs with two outs.

Flanagan struck early with three runs in the first. After the first two batters reached, Cowboys left-hander Jared Noretsky battled back with two strikeouts. But then Andres Sanchez came to the plate. Noretsky got two strikes on the Flanagan slugger, but then Sanchez hammered a pitch over the fence in left, giving the Falcons a 3-0 lead.

Flanagan added to their lead in the second. With two outs and a runner on base, Ricky Santiago drilled a two-run shot over the left-center fence.

Cooper City threatened in the third inning, loading the  bases with no outs after a pair of walks and a single off right-hander Jose Mesa Jr.

Designated hitter Kevin Couvillon nearly brought the Cowboys back after ripping a deep shot into center, but it was hauled in by center fielder Ryan Cozada at the warning track. The sacrifice fly scored Evan Santiago to cut the deficit to 5-1. After a strikeout, Bradley Cassidy delivered a two-out sharp base hit into right field to plate Chris Beaton to bring the Cowboys within three runs.  Chris Couvillon stepped to the plate and made a bid for a game-tying home run after hitting a long drive towards center field, but Cozada once again had room to make the catch to retire the side.

The Falcons responded in the bottom of the third by pushing across two runs after a home run from Danny Zardon.

Zardon homered again to extend the lead. Sanchez added his 16^th home run of the season, a solo shot in the fourth.

Cooper City pushed across two runs in the fourth, but would not get any closer. Robert Collin came in relief with one out and was able to limit the Cowboys offense the rest of the way.

In the fifth, Flanagan put the game away with more offensive firepower with four runs and the mercy-rule went into effect.

Carlos Lopez hit a solo home to add to the lead, then first baseman Mike Melendez sent the crowd home with a two-out, three-run home run.

“We’re better in every offensive category,” Flanagan coach Ray Evans said. “We have guys in our lineup who are capable of hitting it out at any time.”

Flanagan will host West Broward Thursday in the District Championship game at 7 p.m.

West Broward 2, Cypress Bay 0

West Broward’s Alex Zapata and Tyler Draughon combined for a three-hitter and the Bobcats held off Cypress Bay 2-0 in the District 12-6A Tournament semifinal game at Flanagan High School.

“It’s our first shutout of the year and came at a good time,” Moss said. “Alex has been throwing the ball well and Tyler came in and was able to shut them down. “We left some runners on base and some chances out there, but we only needed the two runs. It’s always the toughest to take the first game.”

Zapata tossed 5 1/3 innings and gave up three hits, two walks and fanned three.

Draughon picked up the save a strong performance in relief. He did not allow a hit over 1 2/3 innings.

West Broward was able to find a way to pick up the victory despite scoring a pair of runs without an RBI.

The Bobcats jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning. After loading the bases, Gio Ruiz was plunked with the pitch to force in a run.

In the fifth inning, West Broward added to their lead on a sacrifice fly RBI by Cody Swavely.

West Broward and Flanagan split the two meetings from earlier in the season. The Bobcats were able to come away with a 4-3 victory on the road, but dropped a 9-7 decision at home.
The Bobcats nearly were able to rally, but they fell short despite loading the bases in the final inning.

“We are the last team to beat them,” Moss said. “They’re a very good team and we are going to come out ready to play with them.”

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