By Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout

In the 7A semifinal game, the Venice Indians were able to defeat the Creekside Knights 3-2 behind some strong pitching and timely hitting in a back-and-forth affair to advance to the 6A state championship game. After winning the 6A state championship last year, the Indians will be looking to go back-to-back when they take on Gaither HS this Saturday at 12:35 p.m.

2017 LHP Caleb Williams (Venice HS, FL) turned in a solid outing and earn the win by going four innings with two runs allowed and scattering five hits. The uncommitted junior attacked the Knights lineup by using a fastball that sat 84-85 mph along with a 69-71 mph curveball on his way to five strikeouts. Williams worked quickly and competed throughout his time on the mound while also holding the base runners tight to the bag with a deceptive pick off move. 2016 LHP Brent Killam (Venice HS, FL) would come in for relief and shut down the Knights lineup the rest of the way by not allowing a hit and striking out three in his three innings on the hill.

On the offensive side for the Indians, 2018 1B Joe Kinker (Venice HS, FL) led the way by going 1-for-3, which included a clutch two-run double in the top of the fourth to finally get the Indians on the board. Kinker also made a great catch into the first base dugout on a foul ball that was tailing out of play. 2016 DH/RHP Rylee Buckmaster (Venice HS, FL) would put the Indians ahead for good when he would follow Kinker’s two-run double with an RBI double of his own. The St. Petersburg JC recruit would finish 1-for-3 on the day as well. 2016 OF/RHP Trevor Holloway (Venice HS, FL) went 2-for-3 on a couple of strong line drives up the middle with a run scored.

In the field, 2016 2B Scott Dubrule (Venice HS, FL) stood out by displaying range, quick feet, and soft hands. The Jacksonville recruit also made a very tough play when he made an over the shoulder grab running full speed towards the right field foul line for a big out.

For the Knights, 2016 RHP Mitch Campion (Creekside HS, FL) would go the distance but get tagged with the loss as he would allow three runs, five hits, and strike out seven in his time on the mound. The Santa Fe JC recruit featured an 85-87 mph fastball along with a 76-78 mph change up with some sinking action. 2017 IF Cade Westbrook (Creekside HS, FL) went 1