Cougars blank Sharks

But Riverview still gets a first-round bye in districts.

By JIM REESE
Published April 13, 2005

RIVERVIEW - Riverview fell 4-0 to Durant on Tuesday night, but still clinched a bye in the upcoming district playoffs.

When word of Bloomingdale's 5-2 win over Sarasota-Riverview reached the Riverview dugout, the Sharks knew because of the tiebreaker format they had clinched second in Class 6A, District 6, getting the bye regardless of their game's outcome. (Riverview (12-5, 6-3) beat fourth-place Bloomingdale twice this season while Durant (8-9, 5-4) split with the Bulls.)

The Cougars won behind a 13-strikeout one-hitter from Carmine Giardina, and two home runs - a three-run shot by Lenny Carapella and a solo blast by William Woody.

"There is no question about it. (Giardina) is the best pitcher we've seen this year," Riverview coach Bill Leiby said. "It was good for us to see him (Tuesday) because from here on out, we are going to see good pitching every night, and we better get used to it." Giardina (3-0) originally was slated to be a stopper this season but Cougars coach Ron Fussell sees a different role for him now.

"It's amazing that in his three wins, he's given up only two hits, total," Fussell said. "He has a no-hitter and two one-hitters. He is really finding his stride." "I knew about the no-hitter going into the seventh but I'm just glad we were able to get the win," Giardina said. "This game will do wonders for our confidence." Leiby was optimistic despite the loss.

"Our pitcher, Tyler Nessmith, did a good job," he said. "Outside of the two long balls, he pitched well and with Billy Bullock coming back from an injury next week, I feel pretty good about our chances in the district playoffs."

[Last modified April 13, 2005, 01:30:19]