Devils need just one pitch

A game dominated by pitching ends when St. Petersburg's Fortunato connects for the lone run against Seminole.

By MEYLA HOOKER
Published April 13, 2005

ST. PETERSBURG - Camillo Fortunato could almost taste a first-pitch fastball in the eighth inning. In a scoreless game at Huggins-Stengel Complex, St. Petersburg's lead-off hitter got what he wanted.

Fortunato took the first pitch he saw from county saves leader Shawn Keill and launched a liner over the head of Seminole's rightfielder. The ball went all the way to the 430-foot fence, allowing Fortunato to motor around the bases for an inside-the-park, walk-off home run and 1-0 win.

"I was just looking to make contact," Fortunato said. "This is a huge win and gives our team a huge boost."

The Green Devils (13-2) avenged a 3-0 loss to the Warhawks (14-3). St. Petersburg is 8-1 in Class 5A, District 10; Seminole is 9-1. Both are seeking the top seed in the district tournament.

Despite Fortunato's big hit, pitching was the story.

St. Petersburg coach Stefan Futch said he purposefully used three pitchers to remain fresh throughout the game.

"It was homefield advantage," Futch said. "We practice here everyday and know that it is very hot. We used three different pitchers to give them three different looks."

Adam Recvlohe allowed two hits in two innings. Courtland Chambers pitched 21/3 innings before giving way to eventual winner Dale Brannon (5-2), who allowed one hit and struck out two in 32/3 innings.

Starter Adam Chappie pitched seven scoreless innings for the Warhawks. He allowed five hits and struck out nine.

"It was just one of those games that you kind of knew that the last team to bat would probably win," Seminole coach Rob Francis said. "Dale Brannon did a heck of a job for them. That's why he is one of the top players in the state.

"We've preached all year that it's not where you start but where you finish. We'll rebound well from this loss."

--Meyla Hooker can be reached at 727 445-4224 or e-mail mhooker@sptimes.com

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