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Nature Coast Tech Walks Off on Hernando

February 23, 2016

By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

Nature Coast Tech was able to come from behind and steal the victory away from Hernando in the bottom of the seventh inning by a score of 6-5. 2018 LHP Jonathan Gates led the Sharks to their victory as he threw four innings and gave up one earned run. The Miami commit also drove in the game-tying run in the bottom of the seventh with a double off the center field wall.

Hernando was actually first to get on the board as they were able to take advantage of an error to give themselves a 1-0 lead. After a scoreless third, the Leopards extended their lead by scoring on another error and squeezing in a run, putting them up 3-0. In the bottom half of the fourth, however, the Sharks cut the lead to two as 2018 C Brandon Riera singled in a run.

After surrendering multiple walks that allowed for two runs to score, Nature Coast Tech found a way to keep their composure and generate a tremendous comeback. The first two runs were scored off a single by 2017 2B Ryan Lotito. Gates then stepped up to the plate a drove in Lotito by driving a double off the center field fence. Then, two batters later, 2016 RHP/2B Matt Myers brought home Gates when he executed a squeeze perfectly. This victory for the Sharks gives them bragging rights over their district rival for now, but it is a long season and they will play each other at least one more time.

Top Statistical Performers

Nature Coast Tech
Jonathan Gates: 4 IP, 1 ER, 4 Ks; 1-4, 2B, RBI
Ryan Lotito: 2-3, sac bunt, 2 RBIs
Matt Myers: 3-4, RBI