By Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout

The Bishop Verot Vikings took on the Providence Stallions in the 4A semi-final game that was deadlocked at 1-1 until the top of the sixth when a clutch two-run double broke the game open. The Vikings held on and defeated the Stallions 3-1 to advance to the 4A State Championship game.

2017 RHP Gunnar Byrd (Bishop Verot HS, FL) earned the win and went the distance throwing a complete game and allowing only one run on the day. Byrd featured a low- to mid-80s fastball along with a changeup on his way to six strikeouts. He challenged the Stallions lineup throughout the whole game and competed to bring his team to the finish line. The junior starter would also show up at the plate as well where he went 2-for-4 on the day with two singles.

2017 OF/1B Ivan Cotto (Bishop Verot HS, FL) went 1-for-3 on the day and delivered the double in the top of the sixth that was a hard line drive over the right fielder’s head, which proved to be the difference in the game. 2016 C Michael Richey (Bishop Verot HS, FL) went 2-for-3 on the day with a couple of hard hit line drive singles.

For the Stallions, 2016 1B/RHP Cooper Cain (Providence HS, FL) went 1-for-3 on the day with a strong single down the left field line while also making some tough picks playing first base. 2019 SS Nathan Hickey (Providence HS, FL) went 1-for-3 on the day with a deep double to the right field wall and showed some good range in the field. 2018 OF Jake Morrow (Providence HS, FL) went 1-for-3 with an RBI single.

The Vikings will look to become 4A State Champions when they take on Calvary Christian Academy.