University School Shuts Down Coral Springs Charter in Pitchers’ Duel

No team in Broward other than University School has had the unenviable task of opening its season with three consecutive district games.

With the regular season not even two weeks old, the Suns are shining bright as they are sporting a 3-0 record in District 4A-13, one of the toughest in the county, after a 4-0 win over Coral Springs Charter on Wednesday at Nova Southeastern University.

University School got a complete-game performance from Michael White, its ace, who struck out six while giving up three hits and walking four. It was his second win of the season.

“I thought Mike was spectacular,” Suns coach Rich Hofman said. “He wasn’t perfect, but he’s a true pitcher. He can throw four pitches for strikes at any time in the count, and when you do that, you can win. It’s always nice to know you’ve got someone who’s going to take the mound once a week.”

Hofman credits the work pitching coach Dave Hofman, his son, has done with White, saying the two “were on the same page.”

White said he “got ahead with a lot of first-pitch strikes, and my dominating pitch was my slider. It had a lot of bite tonight.”

Coral Springs Charter ace Nick Scahill matched White through the first four innings, keeping the Suns to one hit. He gave up three hits in five innings and struck out five.

University broke the scoreless tie in the fifth. After Andrew Denis flied out, Charlie Gomez put down a perfectly placed bunt to reach first. It was one of three times during the game that University got on base with a bunt. After Laurenz Reyes struck out, Daniel Epstein hit a chopper toward third base that was misplayed at first, allowing Epstein to get on. That set the stage for the biggest hit of the night, Diego Perez’s two-run double that brought home Gomez and Epstein.

After execting a double play to end the top of the sixth and keep Charter scoreless, University added two runs. Sebastian Diaz led off with a home run to left field. White and Jon Jon Cormier followed with singles before Denis bunted to load the bases. Pinch-hitter Isaac Zinguer then sacrificed Cormier home.

University School’s 3-0 district record is even more impressive if one considers the wins have come within six days. University School opened its season Friday by defeating Somerset 7-1. The next day, the Suns broke open a tie game to win 7-2 at Chaminade-Madonna.

“If I told you I expected that (3-0 start), I’d be lying,” Hofman said. “I would have thought 1-2. I’m thrilled to death.”

Hofman said the wins point to signs that his team finally is executing his successful Hofball system and that the players are starting to believe.

“And when you believe, you can be dangerous,” he said.

White said being 3-0 in the district “feels good because all the hard work is paying off. We’ll celebrate tonight and have our minds set on the next district opponent.”

White knows Hofman is counting on him to be among the team’s leaders and acknowledges he feels “a sense of responsibility. I like to lead by example.”

While University School is celebrating its 3-0 start, Coral Springs Charter is still working to establish consistency after a 2-2 start.

“We’ve just got to get our offense going,” assistant coach Woody Smith said.

Stephen Kerr, Colton Rogers and Brandon Laboy had hits for the Panthers.

Smith said Scahill “threw the ball well and his curve looked great tonight. He’s come along fine, and he felt good about coming out.”

Charter will host Somerset Academy on Friday while University School will complete its week with road games at Champagnat on Friday and Olympic Heights on Saturday.

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