Archbishop McCarthy Wins Pitcher’s Duel, Regional Championship

Jose Brizuela came in relief in this pitcher’s duel to pick up the win.

All season, defending Class 4A state champion Archbishop McCarthy has been nearly unstoppable offensively.

But Friday against Melbourne Eau Gallie in a regional final, the hits didn’t come easy as the Mavericks ran into a dominant pitcher, one of the toughest they’ve faced this season.

Although the offensive surge didn’t materialize, McCarthy had luck on its side and prevailed 3-1 to advance to the state semifinals in Port St. Lucie. The Mavericks will play Wakulla on May 23 at a time yet to be determined.

Down 1-0 with one hit going into the bottom of the fifth, the Mavericks (27-3) capitalized on an errant throw to score two runs to take a lead. Ivan Santos led off with a walk before Garrett Kennedy put down a sacrifice bunt. The Eau Gallie catcher tossed the ball wildly to first and the ball ended up bouncing over the fence near right field, allowing Santos courtesy runner Adam Duarte to advance to second and third, respectively. Brandon Roberts singled in Santos and Duarte for a 2-1 lead, and Nick Basto slapped a hit into shallow center to give the Mavericks another run.

Eau Gallie (20-9) took a 1-0 lead in the first as Bobby Holsombach singled in Mitchell Hull, who reached on a walk.

McCarthy coach Rich Bielski said he felt fortunate to come away with a win as Holsombach and Mavericks ace Andre Martinez were locked in a pitcher’s duel. Martinez finished with 11 strikeouts in five and one-third innings.

“It was a showcase of two good left-handed pitchers going at it,” Bielski said. “All of [Holsombach’s] pitches worked. He threw all three pitches for a strike. He was tough. It took us a while to figure him out.”

Alexander Fernandez, one of the McCarthy hitters held without a hit, said “he was real crafty. He hit all his spots. They’re a really good team and they fought the whole game. But we came and we did what we’re supposed to do.”

Although the Maverick hitters were frustrated most of the game, Martinez wasn’t feeling that way on the mound.

“Thanks to my team backing me up, I was very relaxed,” he said.

Jose Brizuela came in to relieve Martinez and recorded five strikeouts to seal the victory.

“We wanted to get Brizzy on the mound,” Bielski said. “He was begging for it. He was so hungry for us to get back to state.”

Bielski said Eau Gallie “came out and showed they can play. I’m so proud of our boys. They stayed focused and didn’t panic. They worked hard and deserve to go back, and I look forward to defending our state title.”

Archbishop, a true class act, celebrates with fans after they win the regional championship.

One Response to “Archbishop McCarthy Wins Pitcher’s Duel, Regional Championship”