Seven Rivers falls

By DAWN REISS
Published April 9, 2005

HOMOSASSA - Ocala St. John Lutheran's James Durman hit three home runs and had six RBIs to lead the Saints in a 13-1 mercy-rule five-inning game against Seven Rivers Christian on Dazzy Vance Field.

"That kid that hit those three home runs, the good Lord kissed that boy this morning," Seven Rivers coach Steve Ekeli said.

St. John (3-12) took an early 2-0 lead before tacking on five runs in the second inning with strong hitting in a short-range ballpark. By the end of the third inning, St. John led 10-0 and pitcher Richard Mutarelli was on track for a no-hitter, holding Seven Rivers (9-5) to three and out each inning.

But Seven Rivers pitcher Chad Peets spoiled Mutarelli's chance with a base hit before scoring the Warriors' lone run. This was St. John's first district win of the season. Seven Rivers earlier won 9-5 against St. John. The Warriors hold the No. 2 spot in Class A, District 5 in front of St. John; Hernando Christian is first.

"I forsee seeing (Seven Rivers) again in the first game of the district tournament," St. John coach Scott Hansen said. "We'll be looking at a rematch and I'm sure those guys will be ready to come back and play."

INVERNESS - Springstead pitcher Chris Poulos knew what he had to do. His coach warned him the game would be close, and defense was crucial.

Poulos delivered with nine strikeouts to lead Springstead 1-0 win over Citrus. He allowed four walks and four hits, all singles.

"There was great pitching on both ends," Springstead coach Frank Vitale said. "I told my boys it wasn't going to be a 10-run game this time.'" In their last meeting, Springstead beat Citrus 13-3.

Mike Lambraia scored the game's only run - a home run over the leftfield wall on the fifth pitch of the game to lead off the first inning.

After that, Citrus pitcher Joey Budnick came on strong. He had no walks, five strikeouts and allowed five hits.

Citrus (9-8) had two outs, the bases loaded and their fans on the edge of their seats after three walks in the fourth inning. But a pop fly to shallow right off the bat of Nick Van Gorder ended the inning. It was the closest the Hurricanes came to scoring.

Springstead (10-4) is now tied with Leesburg for the top spot in Class 4A, District 9. They are the only undefeated teams in the division.

- CURT HARRIS, Times correspondent

[Last modified April 9, 2005, 07:10:29]