Archbishop Handed Another Tough Loss In Walk-Off Fashion

Westminster starter Marc Sanchez threw 6 2/3 strong innings for the Warriors.

The Archbishop McCarthy Mavericks are used to being in tight situations, where one pitch or swing of the bat can change the outcome of a game. What the Mavericks are not used to, however, is losing these type games.

Click here to view the photo gallery of this game.

On Monday night at Nova Southeastern University, Archbishop lost its third game of the season, 2-1, to Westminster Christian in the opener for both teams in the Selective Recruiting Invitational. The Mavericks’ three losses this season have come by a combined six runs.

“We can learn from this,” Mavericks head coach Rich Bielski said. “Sometimes you learn more when you lose, and sometimes the losses make you better. This game will do that for us. We’ve gone out and made the toughest possible schedule we can find, and when you do that, this is what’s going to happen. You can’t play the type schedule we play and not expect a couple of losses.”

What the Mavericks were up against Monday was a former state and national champion themselves in Westminster Christian. The match-up played out much like the fans and the dozens of scouts in the stands would have expected, with two of South Florida’s best teams exchanging blows.

One of the players the scouts were in attendance to see was Warriors center fielder David Thompson, and for those who stayed until the end, Thompson showed why the scouts are hot on his trail. After the Mavericks tied the game at one in the top of the seventh, Thompson delivered the game-winning single in the bottom of the inning.

“I was a little nervous going up to the plate right there, but I was glad I was up in that situation,” Thompson said. “But that’s what you play baseball for, to be in that position, and I’m glad I was able to come through with a clutch hit and help my team win.”

Offense was at a premium for most of the night, with the lone run in the first six innings coming in the first. Warriors catcher Daniel Sanches turned around a 94 mph fastball from Mavericks starter Nick Travieso. The Archbishop senior joined Thompson as the other reason all of the Major League scouts were in attendance. After the home run by Sanches, Travieso settled in and completed five innings, allowing only four other hits.

The Mavericks made their comeback attempt in the seventh. After Warriors starter Marc Sanchez retired the first two batters of the inning, it appeared as though he was going to finish the complete game masterpiece. The Mavericks then showed the mental toughness and fight that has helped them win the past two state championships.

Jonathan Quintana started the two-out rally with a single. After a walk to second baseman Jason Morozowski, Brian Gonzalez worked the count against Sanchez before delivering a single to score Quintana. Mike Hernandez then walked, loading the bases and ending Sanchez’ night on the hill.

Eventual winning pitcher Eric Torente relieved Sanchez and got Mavericks lead-off hitter Adam Duarte to line out to left to end the inning. Despite the run given up in the seventh, Sanchez pitched well enough to earn his coach’s praise.

“Marc’s a bulldog,” Warriors coach Emil Castellanos said. “He goes after guys and battles guys, and his performance is always great. He’s shut down now two great programs, Columbus and McCarthy.”

Castellanos also gave high marks to Torrente for getting the final out of the seventh.

“That’s big, man,” Castellanos said. “When you can go to the bullpen and put a guy in a situation like that, it’s always great to see that your guy can come in and not buckle in a tight situation. He showed some good poise up there.”

The teams will not have much time to revisit this instant classic in their minds as they both are back on the field today. Archbishop McCarthy will look to rebound when it faces Doral Academy at 7:30 at Archbishop. Westminster will travel to Monsignor Pace to face Ferguson at 4:30.

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