University’s White, Flanagan’s Mesa Jr. Toss No-Hitters In District Games

Two Broward County pitchers, Michael White of University School and Jose Mesa, Jr. of Flanagan, threw complete-game no-hitters Friday night in district games to highlight the action around the county.

In a District 4A-13 game at Nova Southeastern University, White won his third game as he shut down Chaminade-Madonna 2-0. He struck out seven and walked two while retiring the last 13 batters he faced in order.

“It was a tremendous performance by Mike,” coach Rich Hofman said. “His offspeed pitches were really good and kept them off balance all night. From the third inning on, he barely threw a ball. He was in command all night.”

Hofman said White was most effective with his fastball but also threw strikes with his slider, change-up and curve ball. Hofman also gave credit to his son, Dave, saying he and White “were on the same page the whole night.”

Behind White was flawless defense, especially from shortstop Sebastian Diaz and outfielder Diego Perez, who saved the no-hitter in the seventh as he ran down a long shot with one out.

Hofman said the game was a “great pitchers’ duel” between White and Chaminade’s Brandon Burgess, who gave up six hits, struck out two and walked just one.

Andrew Denis hit a one-hit single and came home on Diaz’s double down the left-field line to give the Suns a 1-0 lead in the first. White bunted for a base hit to bring in another run in the sixth.

The win gave University a boost after being shut down on Wednesday by North Broward ace Casey Kopec in a 2-0 loss, its first of the season. The Suns (6-1) hold a 4-1 record in the district, something Hofman is pretty pleased with considering the spread of talent on the mound among the teams.

“There’s some great pitchers in the district,” Hofman said. “Mike has to be respected as well as anyone. Burgess is a good hurler as well. Every game is crucial because there’s a good pitcher on every team. But for now, this is a night to remember for the young man. It’s a good night for him to savor for his career, and hopefully there will be a few more before he’s done.”

MESA JR. NO-HITS CYPRESS BAY

While the Suns were celebrating, the Flanagan Falcons also had something to be proud of in their 5-0 win over District 8A-12 opponent Cypress Bay as Jose Mesa Jr. mowed down the Lightning lineup, striking out 18 and allowing no walks in his gem.

Flanagan coach Ray Evans said Mesa Jr. was clocked at 89-91 mph consistently all night and topped out at 93 multiple times as his fastball was unhittable. There were only three balls put in play, two of which were caught in left field. An error on the third caused the perfect game to be lost, but that didn’t take away from Mesa Jr.’s accomplishment.

“The scouts were very impressed,” Evans said. “He controlled the strike zone. I don’t think many high school hitters would be able to hit what he was throwing last night. At one point, you thought you was going to strike out everybody. Just to see him pitch the way he did was enjoyable to watch and be a part of. We had a packed house. It was neat for a lot of people to see, just to be there.”

Evans said the closest performance to Mesa Jr.’s was from D.J. Swatscheno during a game in 2006. Swatscheno struck out 19 and had his perfect game broken up when he hit a batter.

Rick Sanchez, who went 2-for-3 with a home run, led the Falcons’ offense Friday night. Flanagan built a 3-0 lead through two and added runs in the fifth and sixth to pad its lead.

The win keeps the Falcons undefeated in the district at 3-0. A showdown at West Broward (6-0) is set for next Friday, but Flanagan first has to contend with Everglades on Tuesday. The Bobcats are at Western the same day.

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