Sports

Under the radar

Not every victory is the result of a grand slam homer or no-hitter. Sometimes it's simply good advice, a well-timed single or a key defensive play - you know, the little things - that seals a win.

By JIM REESE
Published May 13, 2005

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While home runs and dominant pitching often hog the spotlight, they are not the only way to win big games. Never overlook the little things.

Here are a few heads-up plays during district and region action that helped county teams advance.

Solid singles

In Jesuit's region quarterfinal against Aracadia De Soto, Matt Stefany came to bat in the first inning with two outs and two strikes. After he punched a single to center to drive in the game's first two runs, the Tigers went on to score five more in the inning on their way to an 11-3 win. Late-game singles are just as effective. With the score tied at 6 in a region quarterfinal against Sickles, Hillsborough's Chris Ramirez was up with runners on first and second and one out in the eighth inning. Terriers coach Pat Russo called a hit-and-run play that Ramirez executed perfectly with a single to right-center, scoring Mike Burgess from second for the winner.

"I tell the guys to try to put the bat on the ball, hit it into the green, and we've got a shot," Russo said.

Ready to run

Robinson's Eugene Garnett scored from second on a groundout against Cardinal Mooney in a district semifinal.

"He saw a chance to make it as he rounded third and just poured it on," coach Sal Urso said. Speaking of chances. ... Brandon's Ryan See was on third in the first inning against Plant with his team up 1-0. A pitch bounced in front of the plate and rolled just a few feet away. Alertly, See took off and slid home just ahead of the tag, putting his team up by two. Brandon went on to win and advance to the district final.

And finally, never discount the value of pinch runners. "Ben Horton pinch runs for us," Jefferson coach Pop Cuesta said. "To give you an idea of his value, he's been up only 24 times this year but he's scored 16 runs."

Against Lake Wales in the region quarterfinal, Horton pinch-ran in the fourth inning, advancing to third on a wild pitch before coming home on Josh Collazzo's grand slam.

To steal, or not to steal

In the first inning of a district semifinal win, Berkeley Prep catcher Ricky Jacobson nailed the lead runner at third on a double steal, taking speedy Fort Meade out of the inning. Fort Meade did not attempt another steal the rest of the game.

On the flip side, successful steals go a long way in pumping up teams. In a 5-1 semifinal win over King, Hillsborough's Orlando Bacon, with two outs and the bases loaded, stole home in the fourth inning, pulling the Terriers even at 1-all.

"That did it for us," Russo said. "That lifted all of us sky high."

Words of wisdom

It was the opening round of regionals. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth and Gaither up 1-0 over Brandon, Mario Duarte walked and stole second. Gaither coach Frank Permuy called time and talked to lefty swinging Chris Jones.

Permuy made subtle motions with his shoulder and quick short strokes with his hands. After getting down in the count 1-2, Jones punched a single to center on a ball over the outer half of the plate. It was a huge run in a game the Cowboys ended yo winning 3-2 in eight innings.

What did Permuy say?

"We practice every day to be quick with your hands. Trust your hands," he said. "The kids think they have to take a big swing because they won't be quick enough, but all we want is solid contact. By shortening their swing, they will get to the ball quicker and make better contact against hard throwers."

Times correspondents Mike Readling, Joel Poiley and Don Jensen contributed to this report.

[Last modified May 13, 2005, 00:57:16]

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