Hundreds Look On As Archbishop McCarthy Crushes The Conchs 12-2

If there is one place in Florida that a high school baseball team does not want to find themselves in a regional semi-final game, it is Key West. Unlike in other areas of the Sunshine State, key West does not offer a wide variety of high school options. The baseball team at Key West has become what the Hoosiers were to Indiana.

On Friday night, it was defending 4A Florida state champions Archbishop McCarthy that was facing the task of traveling to Key West for a regional semi-final game. The Mavericks, however, were unfazed by the over 800 people in attendance, and used a nine-run sixth inning to blow open a tight game, and advance to the 4A regional finals on the strength of a 12-2 win over Key West.

The Mavericks were led by senior pitcher Alexander Fernandez. The Archbishop pitcher was in control on the mound, but also provided the offensive spark for the Mavericks, hitting a two-run home run in the first. Fernandez finished his night on the mound giving up only three hits.

“We came here and did what we were supposed to do,” said Fernandez, after running his season record to 10-0.

The Mavericks took the lead early, and never looked back.

Jose Brizuela got the first of his three hits in the first inning, leading off with a double to right-center field. Brizuela came home on Fernandez’ home run.

Nick Basto added the third run on a sacrifice fly in the third again scoring Brizuela to make it 3-1.

Nick Travieso started what turned into a nine-run rally by reaching on a third strike wild pitch in the 6th inning. Ivan Santos drove him home with an RBI single. Santos then drove home three more runs later in the inning on a bases clearing triple.

Brandon Roberts and Adam Duarte pounded back to back doubles to the gaps to drive in runs during the nine run inning.

Then, after an intentional walk to Brizuela and another single and RBI for Basto, Fernandez topped his terrific night with a two-run single in the sixth inning Maverick eruption to complete the blowout. Fernandez drove home for runs in all.

“It was an electric atmosphere here in Key West, and anytime you can come into a hostile environment and get away with a win it is special,” said Archbishop Head Coach Rich Bielski.

The Mavericks will now move on to the 4A regional final at home against Eau Gallie. It will be the fourth straight year for Archbishop McCarthy in the Southeast regional final. Next Friday’s game winner goes to Port St. Lucie to play for the state championship.

Special Thanks to Carlos Guzman for contributing to this article.

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