80 Grade Scouting Notes: Alonso vs. Sarasota Game 1 of FHSAA 7A Region 2 Semifinals
The Alonso Ravens traveled south to Sarasota HS to face off with the historical powerhouse program in the Sarasota Sailors. Pitching and timely hitting was the key for game as Alonso was able to pick up a few key timely hits on the night while also preventing Sarasota from doing the same.
The Ravens got things started in the Top of the 1st as they took advantage of a leadoff double to start the game by Raymond Llanes. Quality situational hitting by Daniel Despaine moved Llanes over to 3B so that Alvin Santiago could jump on this first pitch to leg out a RBI infield single to put the Ravens on the board.
Julian Batista got the start on the mound for Alonso and he was sharp all night long. Leaning on a solid 3 pitch mix to keep hitters off balance he was able to keep his composure navigating through the few innings he had runners in scoring position. Batista stranded runners in scoring position in 4 of his 6 innings of work, most notably the 3rd inning with a savvy fake to 3B and throw to 1B pick off move to end the inning.
Sailors starter, Cesar Garmendia minimized damage and gave his team a shot to win going 6 innings only allowing 3 runs (1 earned) with 4Ks. However, the Ravens continued to pick up timely hits and showed off the ability to play solid team offense up and down their lineup. The Ravens added their 2nd run of the game in the Top of 3rd as Daniel Despaine reached on an error and advanced to 3rd later in the inning on a stolen base and single by Santiago. Ihonathan Perez proceeded to drive in Despaine with a Sac Fly to right field.
The Ravens would go on to score again with the combo of Despaine and Santiago who picked up back to back hits again in the 5th. Despaine would come across to score on a Sailors passed ball.
The Sarasota bats fought hard early as they threatened to score in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th innings. Patrick Drymon was stranded at 3B in the 2nd inning after a leadoff single.
Leadoff hitter and UNF commit, Mark Metcalf, picked up a 2 out Triple in the 3rd but was stranded.
The talented young Braedon MacKay led off the 4th with a sharp single on a first pitch fastball eventually being stranded at 2B.
Christopher Padilla came in to close things out for the Ravens in the 7th filling up the zone. He got a quick pop out to the catcher followed by a ground out and strikeout to end the game.
Game 2 of the series will be tonight at Sarasota HS. Look for the Sailors to try to force a Game 3 back at Alonso!
