A little extra work lifts the Gators

Land O'Lakes needs 10 innings to beat Zephyrhills 9-6.

By MIKE TOMPKINS
Published March 31, 2006

ZEPHYRHILLS - Anthony Santa's one-out, two-run double highlighted a three-run 10th inning, as Land O'Lakes battled to a thrilling 9-6 victory over Zephyrhills on Thursday night.

Santa's double came on the heels of a second straight intentional walk to Caz Piurowski, and was followed by Ricky Howroyd's home run.

"Both teams - our guys and their guys - battled," Gators coach Calvin Baisley said. "Nobody wanted to go home a loser. I'm a little disappointed in the way we've been starting games. We've started to get into a little bit of a rut. "But I'm happy with the way that we battled. What a great game to watch if you're a fan. But if you're a coach ... now I know why my hair is turning gray."

After a rough start, it appeared the Gators, as well as Baisley's hair, would be safe. The Bulldogs (8-8) scored two runs in the first inning and one in the third to jump out to an early 3-0 lead off Gators starter Jeff Bloomer. Land O'Lakes responded with Piurowski's county-leading 14th homer of the season in the top of the third. The shot traveled well over the scoreboard in right-centerfield.

Bloomer then found his groove, limiting the Bulldogs to only one baserunner, via walk, over the next four innings. In turn, the Land O'Lakes (13-3) offense woke up, scoring three runs in the fifth on singles by Jono Cornelius and Eli Jones to take a 4-3 lead. They added two in the seventh.

With Bloomer in control, it appeared Land O'Lakes' 6-3 lead would be more than enough heading into the bottom half of the final frame. But Zephyrhills did not quit, scoring three runs on doubles by Brett Ross and Geoff Parker to tie it at 6.

Baisley brought in reliever Matt Smith, who struck out the ensuing hitter, sending the game into extra innings. Smith pitched 21/3 innings of scoreless relief to pick up the win.

After allowing three consecutive singles to start the 10th, he gave way to Piurowski, who got the final three outs for the save.

[Last modified March 31, 2006, 01:09:18]