North Broward Prep Defeats University School 6-2

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When two teams from 4A-14 get together, nobody knows what the outcome will be. The teams take turns picking each other off throughout the season, hoping to be the last team standing when the district tournament rolls around.

On Friday night, North Broward Prep traveled to face University School in the HSBN Game of the Week. The teams traded blows early, before the Eagles pulled away late to earn a key district victory 6-2 over the Suns.

Anthony Masiello was given the ball on a night when former North Broward Prep player Drew Rangel threw out the first pitch. After giving up two runs in the first, Masiello settled in and gave the Eagles a quality performance.

“I’m proud of him,” said Eagles Manager Brian Campbell. “He’s a sophomore, and one of the keys to the future of the program, so putting him in a big district game, I’m happy for him that he performed well. He had to work through a little adversity in the first inning, and the fact that he settled in after that should be huge for his confidence.”

The Suns scored their only runs of the game with a single from Evan Klugerman, driving in Daniel Epstein, and a Evan McKendry double.

In the top of the second, the North Broward Prep offense answered back immediately off Suns starter McKendry. Masiello and Kevin Thomas both reached base, and after they stole second and third, a Brian Fagan single knocked in the first Eagles run of the game. Hernando Sierra soon after gave NBP the lead with a two-run single.

Despite the three runs, McKendry, also a sophomore, rebounded by not giving up another earned run on the night.

“For a sophomore, Evan did a nice job once again,” said Suns Manager Dan Rovetto. “He got ahead tonight 0-2 a lot, and couldn’t finish off hitters. That’s always going to come into play. He did pretty well for his first start, and we need to continue to develop him and bring him along the right way.”

McKendry was helped out in the fourth inning when Sierra hit a long drive to center, but Suns center-fielder Daniel Epstein was able to come out of nowhere to snatch the drive and keep the game 3-2.

“Unreal,” said Rovetto. “To make that catch, in this ballpark. Obviously it’s a college ballpark that plays like a pro field. Daniel is a significant outfielder. I would say among the top two outfield defenders in Broward County. That was an exceptional play to keep us in the game.”

With both pitchers holding their own on the mound, the Eagles took a 3-2 lead into the sixth. Their offense then put the game away with three insurance runs. Masiello, who had two hits on the night, started the inning with an infield it. Edgar Badaraco had an RBI single, as did Sierra later in the inning. Sierra has been a spark plug for the Eagles offense all year.

“My teammates are always backing me up,” said Sierra. “They’re always putting the ball in play, and getting on base. So really, all I have to do is be myself and try to drive the runs in when guys are on base. It’s not just me, it’s the whole team. It was a great all-around win for us.”

With a 6-2 lead heading to the bottom of the sixth, Campbell called on reliever Max Tannenbaum to close the door. The junior threw two innings of shutout ball to secure the win. Masiello agreed with Sierra’s assertion that this win was all about the team.

“We did everything we needed to tonight to win,” said Masiello. “We threw strikes, the defense made all the plays, the offense had good approaches and swung the bats well. It was a huge team win, especially in this district, when wins are tough to come by.”

The win moved North Broward Prep to 2-1 in 4A-14, and within a half-game of district leading Coral Springs Charter. With only a couple of weeks of district play complete, only one game separates the top team from the bottom in the seven-team district. As is always the case in 4A-14, the teams all know any team can win on any given day.

“You expect every game in this district to be tough,” said Campbell. “There’s absolutely no givens in this district. Everybody can beat everybody. I think that’s what makes coaching in this district fun. It helps keep us engage in practice, and it keeps us engaged in every game we play. You have to work for and earn every win you get, and I think our kids enjoy that challenge.”

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