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Crystal River's Metz keeps Tigers hitless

CRYSTAL RIVER -- Crystal River coach Brent Hall believes his team is capable of competing for a state title.

People are starting to understand why.

Against previously unbeaten Dunnellon on Friday, the Pirates got a no-hitter from Jimmy Metz and had several clutch hits to earn an 11-1 victory in five innings. Crystal River (6-0) has outscored opponents 71-4.

"We played a complete game," Hall said. "The kids did everything they could possibly do."

The no-hitter was the first for Metz (3-0), who struck out eight, walked three and hit one.

"Jimmy was awesome," Hall said. "When you've got a guy out there like that, it makes you feel confident. He's a warrior. He's a monster. He pitches off his curveball so well. Everybody thinks he's a fastball pitcher, but he's not.

"Batters sit up there and wait for (a fastball) and never get it."

Metz, a senior, hasn't allowed an earned run in 19 innings this season. With the victory, he surpassed his win total from 2001.

"I had a decent night," Metz said. "I hit my spots better than I did last time. And my defense helped me out a little bit."

Dunnellon (5-1) scored its lone run in the second by taking advantage of a walk, hit batsman and error.

That gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead, but Crystal River answered with a run in its half of the second, four in the third and three in the fourth and fifth. The Pirates had seven hits, six off starter Matt Crutchfield (1-1). First baseman Marcus Galvan and shortstop Jonathan Runnels had two each.

Galvan drove in three runs with a third-inning double and added another RBI on a single in the fourth.

Crystal River outfielder Will Bleakley led off the fifth with a solo home run, his first of the season. Outfielder Ryan Starkey also drove in a run.

The Pirates were aided by five Dunnellon errors.

"We made a lot of mistakes," Tigers coach Joe Buccheri said.

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