Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

Bartram Trail vs Forest

FORT MYERS—Forest and Bartram Trail went blow for blow in their 6A state semifinal game, leaving everything on the field, to get a shot at the state championship. 11 innings were played and the game lasted well over three hours, with Bartram Trail eventually coming away with the 2-1 win. Both teams displayed outstanding pitching and defense throughout the entire game. In this contest, the player of the game had to be 2015 RHP/IF and Jacksonville Signee Mike Cassala, who pitched 10 innings and gave up only one run and struck out 13 batters. He also went 3-5 with an RBI at plate.

Bartram Trail was able to jump to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Cassala delivered an RBI single to left center field. After the next few innings went scoreless, Forest was able tie the game in the bottom of the fifth when 2016 OF/RHP Jacob Landry roped an RBI single up the middle.

That would be all for the scoring for the next six innings as 2016 RHP and Florida commit Kirby McMullen and Jacob Landry were able to hold Bartram Trail until the 11^th inning, when the Bears were able to get a few base runners and eventually score on a wild pitch. Bartram Trail will face Venice tonight for the 6A state championship at 7:35.

Statistical Highlights

Bartram Trail                                                             Forest

Mike Cassala: 10 IP, 1 ER, 13 K's; 3-5, RBI                   Kirby McMullen: 8 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 6 K's

Venice vs Mater Academy

FORT MYERS—In what was almost a mirror image of the first 6A semifinal game, Venice and Mater went back and forth in what was also an 11 inning game that was highlighted by great pitching, spectacular defensive plays, and timely hitting. Venice eventually won 3-2, but not before Mater gave them a run for their money. 2015 RHP and Virginia Tech Signee Cole Kragel was as dependable as always for Venice, giving up one earned run in seven innings while striking out six. Mater’s starting pitcher, 2015 Kevin Fuentes, pitched just as good going 7 1/3 innings with five strikeouts and one earned run as well. The Indians’ offense just seemed to be slightly ahead of Mater’s the whole game, which seemed to help them seize the victory in the end.

Venice was the first team to get on the board when 2016 OF/LHP Brent Killam ripped an RBI single to give the Indians a 1-0 lead. Mater was able to respond in the bottom of the fifth when 2015 SS Deyvid Silva drove a two-out double to left center. In the eighth inning both teams were able to pick up a run, only to continue to fight for three more innings.

Just like the ending of the Bartram trail game, Venice scored their game winning run on a wild pitch and was able to hold on for the 3-2 win. Venice will face Bartram trail tonight for the 6A state championship.

Statistical Highlights

Venice                                                                                 Mater Academy

Cole Kragel: 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 K’s                                                 Kevin Fuentes: 7 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 5 K’s

Shane Shifflett: 3-5, IBB, 2B                                                   Danny Reyes: 1-4, BB, RBI