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© St. Petersburg Times, published March 15, 2002
Citrus hopes the sequel is better than the original.
When the Hurricanes (7-4 prior to Thursday's game against Leesburg) played at Crystal River three weeks ago in the season's first meeting between the longtime rivals, they lost 9-0 and were held to three hits by Jimmy Metz. Citrus' chance at redemption comes 6:30 tonight at Whispering Pines Park.
The Pirates (11-0) are ranked second in Class 3A. On the mound, the 'Canes will start senior Luke Czerwinski, who one-hit Lecanto last week. Crystal River coach Brent Hall said Thursday that he isn't sure whom the Pirates will counter with.
"We've played good defense and we've gotten good pitching, but we haven't been consistent at the plate," Citrus assistant Brady Bogart said. "We've got to start getting hits. Hopefully, when we do, it will be contagious."
HEAD GAMES: Fielding mistakes were costly in Lecanto's 14-4 loss to Hernando on Wednesday. The Panthers led 4-3 after 41/2 innings, but made four errors in the final two innings, which led to eight unearned runs. "The roof caved in," first-year coach Brian Donovan said. It was Lecanto's second late collapse in as many games. Last Saturday, the Panthers (3-9) lost to Crystal River 13-5 -- though they trailed 6-5 after six innings. Against Hernando, Lecanto was without starting shortstop Adam Stoltz, who was sick. The defensive lineup was shuffled, and that was part of the problem. "We had a lot of guys out of position," Donovan said. "It was very frustrating. Physical errors are going to happen, but we've got juniors and seniors that still have to learn the game. We play well for four or five innings and all of a sudden we'll have a few mental lapses. That's been the story of our season."
SLOPPY, SLOPPY: In recent losses to Cedar Key (10-0) and Orlando West Oaks (13-0), Seven Rivers Christian committed 16 and 12 errors, respectively. Such miscues can be expected from a second-year program, but coach Don Magee is optimistic the Warriors will improve. "There's a sense that we're starting to do some things that we've been working on a little better." ODDS AND ENDS: Lecanto was 8-for-8 in stolen bases against Hernando. The Panthers swiped four in their loss to Crystal River, including home, and are 30-for-37 this season. Lecanto's running success has helped -- somewhat -- offset a .199 batting average. Only three regulars are hitting .300 or better.