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Palm Harbor falls short in state final

The Palm Harbor Major All-Stars fell one run short of winning the state championship Tuesday at Citrus Park.

With two outs, Braden River struck for two unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a 2-1 lead then hang on.

Starter David Gubernick went the distance for Palm Harbor, striking out nine and scattering three hits. Gubernick put Palm Harbor ahead 1-0 in the top of the sixth with a home run.

"He has been the glue that has held us together," Palm Harbor coach Ed Garton said.

Braden River scored its two runs when Vincent Keen hit a dribbler back to the mound. Gubernick fielded the ball and made an off-balance throw to first base.

Garton was quick to defend Gubernick's decision to attempt the difficult play instead of conceding a run and holding the ball.

"We're an aggressive team, and we certainly haven't played that way," Garton said. "David has been around long enough, it's just unfortunate that it was too high for the first baseman to get."

Cory Wisely had two hits for Palm Harbor. Wisely hit safely in seven of his last nine at-bats.

Braden River advances to play in the South Regional at Gulfport. The South Regional, which begins play Sunday, is the final stop before the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

JUNIOR BASEBALL: The last time Brian Bowen set foot on the mound in a game situation, spring flowers were starting to bloom.

With a spot in the state championship on the line, Bowen was asked to carry a heavy load for Dunedin American on Tuesday.

Not only did Bowen come through with a 3-1 win over Venice at Niceville, he helped put Dunedin American in a strong position to contend for the title.

"I gambled going with Brian," coach Mike Trudell said. "We rolled the dice and we ended up on top."

Bowen went five innings, allowing five hits and got plenty of help from his defense. Bowen also helped himself by getting two of Dunedin's four hits.

By using Bowen in the sudden-death semifinal, Dunedin is now free to use its two main starters -- Josh Paquette and Tyler Schmidt -- in the championship game tonight against either Land O'Lakes or Port St. John.

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