8A Road To The Final Four: Pitching Abounds

8A Road To The Final Four Schedule & Results

Baseball fans across Florida can expect some of the most unpredictable and exciting playoff action around in Class 8A. Many of these teams have won it all in years past, even more have been right there knocking on the door and a few upstarts could surprise them all and make a historical program run to the Final Four. The state reclassification last year created a ninth class, which elevated defending state champion Columbus from the 8A field. This means it will be a new champion to hoist the state trophy in the end, and the road to that moment figures to provide as many thrills and emotions as has always been the case in the three seasons that Class 8A has existed.

Region One

District One

The top two seeds in this group are equally dangerous and capable of winning the district title. While the finale showdown between Lincoln and Chiles seems inevitable, there is certainly a chance for the two underdogs to pull off upsets. Just a few days ago Leon proved that fact with a big win over Lincoln, which could give the Lions plenty of confidence heading into the semifinal rematch. Russell Rauh leads the Lions offense, which will need a big day if they are going to win the rubber match and advance into the championship.

Chiles earned the top seed in the district with a 5-1 mark, it’s lone 8A-1 defeat coming early in the season in a 2-1 loss to Lincoln. Having already beaten Bucholz twice this year, the Timberwolves can take plenty of confidence into the district semifinal. Pitching is the strength of the club, with Chase Hatfield, Garrett Mathes and Jake Hunkiar all capable of winning big games on the mound.

Bucholz is right at .500 at season’s end, after suffering a tough seven-game losing skid before righting the ship with a win over Eastside. The Bobcats have struggled on the mound this year and will rely heavily on the offense, led by Philip Willis, Andrew MacNail and Garrett Hastings.

District Two

Oak Leaf earned the top seed in the district thanks to a 2-1 victory over Fleming Island, as both finished with a 4-1 district record. The Knights have been streaky all season, with three different winning streaks during the year, as well as two losing streaks. Having lost its last game, Oak Leaf will look to buck that trend and win its final game of the regular season to carry positive momentum into the district tournament.

Although Fleming Island is the second seed, the Eagles have had a strong 2016 campaign with a 17-3 mark and are just as easily the favorites to win the district crown. The club has won 11 straight and heads into the playoffs with plenty of confidence against Atlantic Coast, which secured the third seed. The Stingrays should not be counted out yet, as the only other club in the district tournament with a winning record.

Fletcher secured the fourth seed by virtue of a tie-breaker against First Coast, having beaten the Buccaneers 12-0 in head-to-head action. The Senators have struggled for consistency on both offense and defense, and will need big production from leaders like Sean Register, Ryan Ayrey and Chase Dubin in order to keep their season alive.

District Three

With 54 combined wins between the four clubs in this group, it is unrealistic to count any of them out of contention. While Forest earned the top seed with a 5-1 district record, Lake Minneola makes a strong case after the tough schedule that the Hawks played all season. Lake Minneola is 14-9 and has faced great pitching all year long, which could give it a big advantage against an East Ridge team that has struggled on the mound with a 2.67 team ERA. Meanwhile, the Knights have plenty of offense to score the upset, led by Brandon Vogl, Allen Cripe and Angel Padilla.

The Wildcats have a bit easier of a path to a dogpile on the field and a district trophy presentation, as Forest hosts an Ocoee club that is the only one of the four teams in 8A-3 with a losing record, at 10-13. Pitching has been a big strength for the team, with Kirby McMullen, Jacob Landry and Brad Dydruff all able to hurl the Wildcats to victory.

District Four

Strawberry Crest swept the district to earn the top seed and the clear distinction as the favorite to hoist the district championship trophy. Pitching has been the driving force for the Chargers, as they posted shutout victories in half of their district contests this year to go along with a 1.19 team ERA. The squad is well-tested after several close games against tough non-district competition, and that experience could pay dividends in the end.

Wharton is a serious threat not to be overlooked. The Wildcats have been an intriguing club all season, as they have shown their mettle by posting victories over several top-ranked teams in the area such as Riverview, Steinbrenner and Robinson. Wharton has the pitching to get it done, with Jonathan Baughman and Tyler Garam providing the depth needed to win back-to-back playoff games.

Yet Wharton cannot look ahead or risk falling to a Freedom squad that split the regular-season series with them this year. The Patriots had a tough start to the season but rebounded to finish around .500, with their 2-1 win over the Wildcats serving as a clear indicator that they can beat the club they will need to in order to keep the season alive. Offense has been a strong suit, with Dalton Smith, Khalil Alumutasim, David Trujeque and Avery Martinez leading a deep lineup.

Wiregrass Ranch has an uphill battle in facing the top-seeded Chargers, who beat them by a combined 10-0 score in both meetings this season. The Bulls hit their stride mid-season to get into the win column, including a district victory over Freedom. Now the club must channel the same mojo it found during that stretch to pull off the upset.

Region Two

District Five

As with all three-team districts, the scenario here is unique. By virtue of a tie-breaker, Plant earned the top seed and all the benefits that come with that. This means the Panthers are already slated into the championship game, as well as earning a berth into the regional playoffs. This helps preserve the pitching staff, leaving the options for either Connor Scott or Tyler Powell to pitch the district final game, if not a combination of both hurlers.

It is has already been a special season for Steinbrenner, after winning the esteemed Saladino Tournament during Spring Break. The Warriors won the district and made it to the regional semifinals last season, and they look to take that next step forward. But first they must dispatch two district rivals that are far from easy to get past. The balance is there to do it, as the offense batted around .300 for the season and the pitching staff has a dual-threat leading the way in Patrick Morris and CJ Van Eyk.

Now would be the perfect time for the Gryphons to put together their best game of the season. Sickles has enough of the right pieces to compete for the district crown, with a strong blend of speed in power in the lineup from guys like Nikolas Dague, Jonathan Oddson and Dylan Eskew. Key hits could be the difference to help back a pitching staff that is deep, if not dominant. Ten different pitchers logged innings for the club this year, and the right mixing and matching could help pave the way for an upset or two.

District Six

Plant City secured the top seed in the district with a 7-1 mark against the field. The Raiders are one win away from the district final and a state berth, and enjoy the ability to face a semifinalist that will have already been forced to utilize its pitching staff just to get to them. Meanwhile, Plant City will have a dangerous pitching arsenal ready to go for the two wins it will need to claim the crown. Starters Billy Mckay and Parker Messick lead a deep staff that ends at closer Jarrett Joyner there at the end to get the toughest outs to finish things off. Having an equally-dangerous offense led by Dalton Wingo should do plenty to take the pressure off those arms.

The rubber match between Riverview and Durant could prove to be the toughest of them all. Both sides won on its home field this season, and each heads into the playoffs with nearly identical records and wins against many of the area’s toughest opposition. Sharks ace Jordan Leasure and Cougars ace Jonah Scolaro figure to go head-to-head in this meeting, which would pit the two pitchers that lead the district in most pitching categories.

Bloomingdale had an up-and-down season. After a strong 7-2 start, the Bulls struggled in the second half of the season with losing streaks of three and five games. The club has traditionally played its best baseball at the end of the season, including a run to the Final Four just two years ago. The offense has struggled overall this season, which puts some pressure on the pitching staff to lead the way. Starters Andrew Tubb and Carson Crouse give the club every reason to believe it is capable of doing just that.

East Bay is not to be overlooked. While the record may suggest the Indians have little chance to win and advance, the club has shown flashes of what it is capable of. Following two upset wins in the Saladino Tournament, East Bay shortened the margin of defeat in one-run losses to several top area programs. Now the key is to turn that last corner and come out on the right end of those meetings.

District Seven

This district figures to send two dangerous and capable clubs into the regional playoffs. Four of the five teams enter the final week of the season with winning records, and fifth-seeded St. Petersburg has made a habit of playing close contests, with 10 games decided by two runs or less this year. The Green Wave will have the toughest road, needing to win three games to steal the district crown.

East Lake has the shortest journey as the top seed, and the club has proven how dangerous it is with some marquee victories this year. The Eagles have the type of pitching depth that often carries teams to the state tournament, with starters Travis Macgregor, Andrew Belcik and Christian James all capable of winning big games. Relievers Conor Churchill and Luis Duran have been just as important, and both are able to put the finishing touches on the strong starts the club has enjoyed all season long.

Countryside and Seminole meet up in a semifinal showdown that could go either way. The Cougars won some big games this season, most notably when they handed top-ranked Jesuit its first loss of the season. Offense has been a driving force, led by Matt Adams and Steven Wilson.

Yet the Warhawks have just as much reason to be confident, as they are as battle-tested as any. Seminole played arguably the toughest schedule of any team in the area this year, with just two non-district games played against teams with losing records. Half of the Warhawks games came against teams ranked at the top of their respective regions, and now is the time of year all that experience can pay off. Andrew Mills and Logan Lipsch provide the pitching the club needs to get the job done.

Pinellas Park also has the toughest route to the district championship. The Patriots need to win three games in order to take it all. Yet this is as possible for them as any, as they have been streaky all season. Pinellas Park opened with five straight wins, and also won back-to-back games twice more along the way. This season also saw the club take losing streaks on four separate occasions. Kenny Brush, Triston Allen and Brett Shavers lead an offense that is more than capable of building off its current two-game winning streak.

District Eight

Last season Sarasota made another trip to the state Final Four, and although history has proven the Sailors are a worthy favorite each season the road ahead has not gotten any easier. Sarasota earned the top seed by way of a tie-breaker with Lakewood Ranch, a team it split the regular-season series with. The Sailors face a Manatee squad that has struggled in the second half of the year, and leaders like Leo De La Torre, Nick Derr, Phil Shore and Nick Long should get the team back to the district championship to face a capable opponent.

Lakewood Ranch struggled out of the district, but still remains a dangerous foe. The Mustangs seem to bring their best in the biggest moments, posting wins over ranked teams such as Venice, Barron Collier and Palmetto. Colton Zimmering and Pablo Garabitos provide the pitching needed to win it all, and Trevor Losada, Justin Fischer and Dylan Buck supply plenty of offensive pop.

Yet getting by Palmetto is no easy task. The Tigers are finishing the regular season as strong as any, having won five straight and eight of their last nine games. Offense is the driving force, led by Jacob Josey, Alden Blaney and Brandon Lam.

Manatee will need to put it all together in a hurry to pull off an upset. The Hurricanes were outscored 20-4 in the two meetings with Sarasota this year. Yet the playoffs are a different animal altogether, and it is tough to beat a team three times in the same season. Manatee has made a habit of playing close games all year, and now is the perfect time to use that experience to shock everyone.

Region Three

District Nine

Hagerty swept the district during the regular season to earn the top seed and a favorable semifinal meeting against an Evans squad that was swept in all six district contests this year. The Huskies have been streaky this season, winning ten straight midseason and recently stringing together another four consecutive victories.

Winter Springs comes into the district playoffs just under .500 on the year, but also swept Lake Howell with a pair of shutouts to earn the second seed. The Bears scored marquee wins over strong clubs such as Olympia, Winter Park and Osceola this season and can build off the confidence gained from such victories to fuel them on a chase for the district title.

Lake Howell turned around a rough start with a strong second half to the season. The Hawks have won eight of their past eleven contests, thanks largely to their pitching. Jonah Gorgone and Ben Berggren lead the pitching staff, while Carlos Cortes paces the offensive attack.

District Ten

St. Cloud is in good position as the top seed in the district and also serving as the district tournament hosts. The Bulldogs went 3-1 in district play, but suffered a lopsided defeat to Lake Nona last week.

That win helps break up a three-way tie to earn the Lions the second seed, where they will face Celebration. Lake Nona has the pitching to get it done, led by Robin Allen, Kevin Soto and Luis Sirit. But the meeting will be strength against strength, as Joseph Martin leads a tough Celebration offensive barrage.

Meanwhile, East River and Liberty will square off in the district semifinal to earn a semifinal berth and a meeting with St. Cloud. Getting past St. Cloud will be no easy task for either squad, with Sam Allen and Chase Morales leading a tough pitching staff and Ty Hoyle and Alejandro Garcia carrying the big bats in the lineup.

District Eleven

The district title is as open as any. Bartow comes in as the top seed with a favorable meeting against a Kathleen team it swept in the regular season. Yet the Yellow Jackets carry a .500 record into the final week and cannot boast dominance over anyone. The greatest differential that gives Bartow an edge is the strength of schedule, as the club battled many of the top teams across Florida this year and has plenty of experience against great pitching. Pitching will be key, with Riley Troutt and Logan Lyle leading the way.

George Jenkins peaked in mid-season by winning nine of ten games, and the Eagles will need to recapture that magic again for the playoffs. The team swept Lakeland during the season by a combined score of 32-5 in three meetings, and will need to keep that trend going in order to get to the title game. Brady Allen, Hunter Lucas and Brandt Sundean provide enough pitching depth to do just that.

Lakeland turned around a rough start with its best baseball in the second half of the year. The Dreadnaughts have relied on offense to turn things around, and Zach Malvasia, Cole Brutcher and Chase Ricketts will need to keep swinging the hot bats in order to keep their season alive.

Kathleen has been streaky this year, and getting on the right side of that tendency will lead it to an upset or two to storm to a district championship. The Red Devils have pitching on their side, led by Bryce Foster and Jacob McCann.

District Twelve

The rest of Region Three need to pay close attention to the field of teams in this district. Three of the clubs are well above .500 for the season, and the fourth was in the state Final Four last year. Getting out of the district could be the biggest challenge they may face in their state-title quest.

Seminole Ridge survived a gauntlet of challenging district games to earn the top seed, and the reward is to face a Royal Palm Beach team that has a roster full of guys that went to the state tournament last year. The Wildcats have pitching depth with CJ Sothen, Logan Pittman and Nick Adams leading a staff that is ten deep. Yet the Hawks have pitching that is just as strong, led by ace Kyle Farjad and senior Anthony Elias. Seminole Ridge’s lone district loss came at the hands of Royal Palm Beach.

Forest Hill and Wellington are similar clubs that are built much the same way and are equally matched. The Wolverines are as hot as any club, currently on an eight-game winning streak. It is a junior-laden squad with deep pitching, led by ace hurlers Ryan Stark and Angelo Brunelas. Closer John Campagnuoulo cements the pitching staff.

Yet the Falcons are not much different than Wellington. Forest Hill has won four straight and six of its last eight. It split the regular-season series with the Wolverines and has played an equally-tough schedule. The pitching staff has posted six shutout wins, including a 7-0 blanking of local power Park Vista. Hector Perdigon, Brad Hammel and Christian Baez lead a deep pitching staff, while Kylan Barnett represents one of the most feared bats in the district.

Region Four

District Thirteen

Another three-team district presents the interesting ramifications that brings with it. Atlantic earned the top seed by sweeping the district this season, and the Eagles have been able to prepare for the regional playoffs for over a month already. Manager Steve Wilson admits the toughest challenge down the stretch is keeping his team hungry and focused for the playoff push. Pitching leads the way, with Johnson Scott, Max Charnin and Justin Varisco all capable of winning big games when they are needed.

Coral Glades swept Spanish River during the regular season to earn the home distinction in the semifinal meeting. The Jaguars are a senior-laden squad capable of putting everything together, and a third win over the Sharks will put them back into the regional playoffs for the first time since 2013. The club has the pitching depth to get the job done, led by Preston Vegotsky and TJ Densmore.

District Fourteen

St. Thomas Aquinas held court all season long, before Piper scored an upset victory recently to prove it can beat the district top dogs. The Raiders are still in prime position to chase after its fourth straight district title, as they await the winner of Plantation and South Plantation in the district semifinals. St. Thomas will have its pitching staff set up perfectly, with Bryon Giles, Kyle Benson and Blake Hely all capable of leading the way on the mound. Meanwhile, offense continues to be the driving force for the club, led by Cameron Krzeminski, Christopher Ruckdeschel and Ryan Stalder.

Fort Lauderdale brings a much-improved group into the rubber match with Piper. The Flying L’s made strives in every area from a season ago, most notably in an improved defensive unit that committed 31 fewer errors this season. Manager Terry Portice always prides himself on defense, and in a close meeting with the Bengals it could be the difference. Catcher Sean O’Connell anchors the defense at the dish, with over 100 putouts to go with six runners he threw out this season.

Piper is a senior-heavy team with a ton of experience playing together. The Bengals are playing their best baseball down the stretch, winning six of their past eight games.

Plantation and South Plantation are local rivals that meet again in the rubber match this season. The Colonels won the earlier meeting to claim the Mayor’s Cup as part of the rivalry, while the Paladins gained their revenge with a victory the second time around. The showdown pits strength on strength, as Engels Vargas and Jeremy De La Cruz lead the Plantation offensive attack against South Plantation ace Rhys Friedman.

District Fifteen

With no disrespect to the other two clubs in this group, there is little doubt that the district crown will come down to the rubber match between Cooper City and Nova. Hollywood Hills is a young team that has not won a game yet this season, and while McArthur has improved each of the past two season under manager Oddibe McDowell, the team has not won a game this season when facing strong pitching.

Cooper City and Nova are as equally matched as the results have shown so far, when each club won on the opposing side’s home field. It figures to be a battle of strengths should the two teams meet in the district championship, with Chris Valencia, Robert Shanley and Devin Pole leading a deep Cooper City offense against a potent Nova pitching staff led by ace Colbie O’Donnell, Jake Trodick and Trace Moore.

District Sixteen

Westland Hialeah came off an historic season in 2015 by putting together an even stronger showing this year. The Wildcats earned the top seed in the district, putting them up against a Miami Central team that has yet to win a game this season. Giovanni Arriera and George Aguilera represent a dominant pitching duo that is not only capable of winning the district crown, but also able to lead the club deep into the regional playoffs. Meanwhile, the offense hit over .320 on the season behind leaders such as David Vazquez, Bryan Lavastida and Evander Hernandez. This team is a legitimate threat for a chase to the state Final Four, as evidenced as recently as Monday night with a victory over Miami-Dade #1 South Dade.

Meanwhile, Mater Academy is a team that has been in exactly that place the past two seasons. The Lions won a state title in 2014 and played an epic battle with eventual-champion Venice in last year’s state semifinal. The Lions have struggled on the mound this season and will rely heavily on their offense to get them back into the district championship for the fourth straight season. Lewis Menendez, Brandon Dudley, Richie Alfonso and Tyler Perez lead a deep and challenging batting order.

Reagan has been another streaky club, with four different streaks during the season. The Bison have struggled on the mound and will rely on a strong offensive attack to lead them to an upset win over Mater Academy. Julio Creazzola is one of the top hitters in the district, while Christian Delos Santos and Benjamin Meza create just as much of a challenge for opposing pitchers. All three collected over 20 hits so far this season.

***Editor’s Note: All stats used in this article were from the time of publication. They may have changed slightly since then.

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