Pines Charter Rolls To Second Straight Shutout Win

A team exists in Broward that has lost only three games this year, two by one run, while allowing less than three runs in 13 of their 16 games. Despite being one of the most consistent teams in Broward in 2014, this team has flown under the radar, climbing only as high as number seven in the HSBN Broward Power Rankings.

On Tuesday night, the Pembroke Pines Charter Jaguars carried that disrespect chip into their game with Coral Springs, and in dominating fashion, they showed why they believe they belong in the upper echelon of teams in the county. Danny Rodriguez and Micah Baxter-Miller each had two-run home runs, and Brett Alayon threw a complete game shutout to lead the Jaguars to a 9-0 win.

“We knew a lot of people have been doubting us this year,” said Alayon. “But this year we have a lot of leadership, and we have come together as a team. We take a lot of pride in what we do. There are a lot of good teams, McCarthy, Flanagan, at the top, and we are chasing them, one win at a time. We want that number one spot.”

Tuesday evening showcased all the areas of the game that have helped Pines Charter achieve their 13-3 record. The pitching was strong, with Avalon working out of several jams throughout the night. Offensively, the Jags collected hits from seven of the nine lineup positions, hitting not only the two home runs, but also using situational hitting and hitting the ball to the ride side with efficiency. The entire approach is one the coaching staff preaches on a daily basis.

“Our hitting coach Willy Hernandez does a great job,” said Jaguars Manager Carlos Iglesias. “Hitting the ball the other way is one thing we work on from day one in practice. Our approach, the quality at-bats that these guys are having, that is what we stress in practice.”

While the offense was busy scoring runs in the first five innings, Alayon was doing his part on the mound. The junior who came into the game with a 1.54 ERA on the season scattered only three hits, while striking out seven Colts.

“It was great,” said Alayon. “This was my first home start of my high school career, and we had a great crowd out here. For these guys to score runs early and give me a comfortable lead, just gave me that much more confidence. I was able to just stay focused the whole game and trust my guys behind me.”

The defense was not as strong as it had been previously, making three errors and putting Alayon in several jams. Each time, however, he was able to dig down and work out of trouble.

“Brett was outstanding,” said Iglesias. “He was pounding the strike zone. He had all his pitches working. He threw a complete game. There’s not much more we could have asked for from him. Even when we didn’t make the plays behind him, he went right after the next guy. What else can I say; he was outstanding.”

Offensively for Pines Charter, the two big blows came from Baxter-Miller, who hit a two-run blast in the second, and Rodriguez, who added his two-run homer in the third. Alex Monge-Rodriguez had two hits and a run for the Jags, while Jake Jacobs added two runs and Anthony Nogueiras went 2-for-2, with a double and two runs.

“We all go in looking for our pitches to drive,” said Rodriguez. “And when we don’t get our pitch, we are able to adjust. We’ve been doing that all year, and it has given us the confidence to keep this going.”

Pembroke Pines Charter has already locked up the top seed in their three-team district, and with a spot in the regionals already assured, the team will now focus on finishing out the season on a strong note. The time for the Jags to fly under the radar is now gone, and they will get their shot in a couple of weeks to make a run at that top Power Ranking spot they desire. The Jags have back-to-back games scheduled against #1 Archbishop McCarthy, and #6 West Broward.

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