Everglades Tops Coconut Creek With Hit Parade

The Everglades Gators put on an offensive show Monday, banging out 21 hits en route to a mercy-rule win over a Coconut Creek team still fired up after coming off its first win.

The Gators scored in every inning, having big rallies in the first, second and fifth innings. The pitching was consistent for the Gators, allowing few walks and four hits.

The Gators seven runs on five hits in the first. The big rally began for Everglades after one out when shortstop Andrew Hernandez hit a sharp grounder down the third-base line for a double, getting himself into scoring position. He advanced to third on a passed ball that also would put right fielder Kristopher Taveras on first with a walk.

With one out and runners at the corners, first baseman Antony Dos Santos drew the second walk of the inning to load the bases. The first two runs of the game for the Gators came courtesy of a well-hit line drive to the left-center gap by center fielder Brandon Escalante. With one out and runners on second and third, a passed ball allowed Dos Santos to score as Escalante advanced to third.

The Everglades picthing dominated from the mound

Still with one out, third baseman Carlos Montero hit a grounder that was misplayed for an error, letting him reach first base and allowing Escalante to score another run for the Gators. Escalante stole second uncontested and scored from second on a scorching line drive to the left-center gap by DH Adam Murray, who then scored on a fielder’s choice. With two outs and a runner on second, left fielder Giovanni Colón lined to right field to drive in the seventh run of the inning for the Gators.

The Gators put up another eight runs in the second, two in the third and seven more in the fifth.

“We came out and did what we were supposed to do,” Gators Manager Odibe McDowell said. “The guys threw the ball wel. We hit the ball in the ground and line drives. They did what I expected them to do.”

The Cougars didn’t give up even being down by several runs. Creek, which earned a big 9-1 win over district foe Boyd Anderson last week, scored its first run in the bottom of the second. With one out, left fielder Winston Nuñez worked the count and drew a walk. With two outs, second baseman Tajh Wallace connected for an infield hit, advancing Nuñez to third. He scored on a wild pitch.

One Response to “Everglades Tops Coconut Creek With Hit Parade”