Archbishop McCarthy To Host Regional Championship For Final Home Game

In last week’s 12-2 regional semifinal victory over host Key West, the Archbishop McCarthy baseball team endured a very hostile environment.

The Conchs’ fans support for their team had nearly every Key West resident out in full force against the Mavericks while rooting on their local players. There were shouts and jeers, taunts and teasing, cow bells ringing, and everything one could imagine coming from the rowdy fans who filled the stands with a sea of red Conchs jerseys.

The Mavericks relished every moment of it.

The players and coaches are used to hostile environments, are used to varying strategies employed against them, and are used to playing in pressure-packed situations.

Still, they are glad that it will be their home crowd cheering behind them on Friday when they host a Class 4A regional championship against Melbourne Eau Gallie (21-8).

“I love to have the crowd behind us, it feels great and it helps get us back into games,” said junior Nick Travieso. “We’re getting hot at the right time and everything is falling into place out there.”

The Mavericks (26-3) are 15-2 at home this season.

“We love playing here; it’s a great atmosphere,” said McCarthy coach Rich Bielski. “Win, lose or draw this is our last home game on Friday. Playing in Key West was a challenge, but if you can win in that kind of a situation it only makes you tougher and gives you more confidence.”

Just as the players and coaches at fellow Broward schools Flanagan, North Broward Prep and Highlands Christian are, the Mavericks are pleased that they still have practice this week since it means there are still games to be played and still something to play for.

The defending Class 4A state champions have not forgotten to enjoy these moments, and even while there is an electric atmosphere surrounding them all right now, there is a poised calmness about the team as well.

“The boys are excited and working hard,” said Bielski. “We know we’re in for a tough game.”

It’s no secret that the Mavericks bats are the biggest reason for their success, but it is their solid execution of the fundamentals that continually proves to be the difference at those crucial moments in every game. The players are very coachable and enjoy how the coaches mix up practices and keep everyone fresh. Everyone trusts one another and there is no panic even when they fall behind.

Of course, with an offense like theirs it takes a lot of pressure off the defense and pitching staff too.

McCarthy has outscored their 2011 playoff opponents by a combined score of 37-8 over four games.

 “Us pitchers don’t have to be Superman, as the coaches like to say,” said Travieso. “Our offense gets hyped up easy and top to bottom it does not matter. Once our leadoff hitter gets on we’re ignited and we want to jump right on a team.”

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