By Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout

The Providence Stallions visited the Trinity Christian Conquerors in a regional final rivalry game that saw the visiting team use some tough pitching and a couple big hits on their way to victory. The Stallions controlled the game the entire night and defeated the defending state champs 5-1.

2016 RHP Cooper Cain (Providence HS, FL) started the game for the Stallions going 2 2/3 innings, giving up one run on two hits. The Valdosta State recruit used an 87-90 mph fastball with run along with a 76-78 mph curveball with some sharp action. Cain would also deliver at the plate and set the tempo for the game after he hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first.

2017 RHP Ben Benson (Providence HS, FL) earned the win after Cain exited by throwing 4 1/3 shutout innings and allowing only four hits. Benson used a deceptive sidearm slot with good movement on his pitches, most notably his slurve, to keep the Conquerors off balance on his way to five strikeouts.

2018 2B Alec Sanchez (Providence HS, FL) stood out in the field as he made diving plays to his left and right and even made a leaping catch in midair on a line drive that looked to be heading for the gap. The Florida State recruit went 1-for-4 at the plate, which included a deep two-run double into the left-center gap that put the Stallions ahead 4-0 in the second inning.

For the Conquerors, 2016 RHP/OF J.C. Flowers (Trinity Christian Academy, FL) would get credited with the loss after a brief stint on the mound, but did show a 90-93 mph fastball, touching 94, along with an 80-82 mph slider. 2019 Dylan Simmons (Trinity Christian Academy, FL) came in to strike out two in relief using an 83-86 mph fastball and 72-74 mph curveball.

2017 RHP A.J. Labas (Trinity Christian Academy, FL) looked strong in his relief work over the final three innings of the game by allowing no hits and striking out four. The North Florida recruit’s fastball sat 89-91 mph with life along with a 74-76 mph curveball and 80-81 mph change up.

With the win, Providence will take on Bishop Verot in the 4A state semifinal next week.