Sports: Tigers take over first place

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Tigers take over first place

Jesuit defeats Robinson 10-0 to move into the Class 3A, District 9 lead ahead of the Knights.

By MIKE READLING, Times Staff Writer

TAMPA -- Things weren't looking good for those Jesuit players and fans hoping for two runs so their game against district rival Robinson could end early.

Sure, it was the bottom of the fifth inning and the Tigers had an eight-run lead, but the Nos. 6, 7 and 8 hitters were due to bat, carrying with them a combined 1-for-5 night with two strikeouts.

In Tiger speak, that meant they were due.

Preston Reid, Ryan Wiser and Brett Bentley didn't disappoint as they either moved runners into scoring position, drove in runs or scored the final two needed for Jesuit to complete its 10-0 victory.

The win moves the Tigers (8-2, 4-1) to the top of Class 3A, District 9 by half a game over Robinson (3-3-1, 2-1-1) and avenges a loss this season to the Knights.

"We have confidence in everybody on our roster," Jesuit coach John Crumbley said. "We're all in a pretty good groove right now."

The Tigers found their rhythm at the start of the game, scoring three runs in the first, highlighted by a J.J. Crumbley triple. Crumbley followed that in the second with a two-run double. His second extra-base hit was part of a four-run inning as Jesuit cruised against Robinson ace Adam Salhanick.

Crumbley finished 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Wesley Jones drove in three runs.

"(J.J. Crumbley) had a positive night at the plate following a positive pitching performance the other night," John Crumbley said in reference to his son striking out 11 batters in four innings of relief Tuesday against Tampa Catholic.

Tiger starter Michael Branham turned in another strong effort, striking out 11 of 18 batters and recording his third consecutive one-hitter. Branham (3-0) struck out five of the last six and was denied a no-hitter by Kyle Terza, who hit a double to deep centerfield with one out in the fifth. Robinson didn't help itself defensively, making two costly errors in the second and misplaying several balls in the outfield that kept Jesuit's onslaught alive.

"I think it's the Plant hangover," Robinson coach Greg Suazo said. "We blew up in the fifth inning there and only got three hits against Osceola the other day. We're just in a slump."