Pasco hopes its playoff run starts at home

The Pirates already are hosting the district tournament, and if they win it, they will remain in Dade City.

By STEVE LEE
Published April 28, 2005

DADE CITY - Pasco coach Shamalene Broner is counting on home being much more cozy than the road.

As hosts of the Class 3A, District 6 tournament, the second-seeded Pirates could play twice this week at home and host a region quarterfinal next week. At least that's the scenario Broner envisions. "It's supposed to any ways," she said.

That would entail Pasco (12-10) defeating South Sumter late Wednesday then the winner of Nature Coast and Hernando in the final. Tuesday's rainout pushed back the tournament by one day. Last season, Pasco lost the district final 4-3 to host Hernando, which again earned the No.1 seed. Homefield could be the difference this year from playing on the road or staying home in the first round of the state playoffs. The Pirates reached the second round of the state playoffs and finished 12-15.

Liz Garcia pitched in the final and both playoff games. That experience is why Broner tabbed Garcia, who split time this season with Brianne Farmer, as the starter. "Brianne's fine" with that decision, Broner said. "I'm not saying that Brianne can't do the job because I know that she can. Liz understands that pressure. It's one (win) or you're going home. When we win (Wednesday), the ball will be in her hands again. She wants the ball."

Garcia (6-7, 0.92 ERA, 62 strikeouts) and Farmer (5-3, 1.91, 38) combined for 11 of the Pirates' 12 wins.

Pasco has its first winning record in Broner's three seasons and as one of two teams in a five-team district with a winning record is a favorite to advance. But, Broner said, "You never know which team's going to show up."

It could be the squad that lost its first two games and five of six at one point or the team that won eight in a row. "I've talked to the girls," Broner said. "I've explained the magnitude of everything. I told them, "Enjoy yourself. You don't want to end the season on a sour note.' They understand that. "They're eager to get out there and play."

LET IT RAIN: Lightning and rain led to tournament washouts Tuesday. Only two games even got started with Nature Coast taking a 6-2 lead on Wildwood through three innings in 3A-6 and Wesley Chapel leading Ridgewood 5-1 in 4A-10.

In the latter game, Wesley Chapel continued Wednesday with two outs and runners at the corners at Tarpon Springs. Ridgewood's lone run came on Jessica Birchmeier's single that plated Jessica Rando.

With her team trailing, not to mention making three errors in two-thirds of an inning, Ridgewood coach Amber Starkey welcomed the inclement weather.

"The way the game started off, I think it was a good thing," she said. "Hopefully, we'll go out there and have a better inning."

Wesley Chapel ace Dayna Glover and Ridgewood's Amanda Thomas, who entered with a 1-2 record and was sidelined most of the season with a shoulder injury, were set to resume pitching.

"She's been throwing at practice," Starkey said of Thomas, who tossed a no-hitter in the Rams' season opener. "We're going to see how she does."

[Last modified April 28, 2005, 01:18:21]