MSSH BASEBALL: THE CONVERGENCE OF SUCCESS
– by Bob Best
I urge all of you to read Bill Daley’s (Miami Herald writer) post on Saturday
evenings’s Regional opener vs. St. Brendan’s – where Springs prevailed (‘dominated”)
7-2. A fine specimen of Sports Journalism.
We’ll treat the game somewhat differently here in addressing some of the trends I
see which seem to have come together just at the right time.
Let’s start with the long ball. I have never seen a Springs squad collectively hit as
many home runs within such a short time in my nine years of announcing Golden Hawk
Baseball.
I mean, really – this is unprecedented. Of note: in spite of all that offensive
firepower, still – Springs left ten runners on base (seven, sadly in scoring position). This
often overlooked statistic is a key factor to consider as the Hawks move on in the
Regionals, and hopefuly beyond.
Corey Estrada has fine-tuned his lineup with Zara (Catcher) leading off (two HRs vs.
St. Brendan’s). That, followed by frankly, people you just don’t want to pitch to !
Hiding Torres (SS) in the eight-hole even created paydirt – as he broke out with a three-
run shot in the fourth.
Utilizing Rodriguez and Palacious (gazelles on wheels) as pinch runners have also
contributed to base path dominance (small thing – yet Huge). A delicate combination of
the long ball & small ball will confuse any formidable competitor.
Lastly, Pitching; while Henriquez has been lights out (literally), he is just one.
Refreshing to see is the development and emergence of Enriquez. With the next round
to set to begin Friday and two on Saturday (best two out of three vs. I Mater, Henriquez
will factor in one game (perhaps two with a low enough pitch count). Enriquez,
Maiquez, and the Vilabrille Brothers ‘must’ be prepared to share the load.
This is where you converge and demonstrate that Baseball is truly a team sport.
There is no tomorrow, only today – and from what I see from my vantage point, this is
why the Golden Hawks are focused and at present – on top of their game!
By Bob Best
