Citrus rolls on Lecanto errors

By DAWN REISS
Published April 1, 2006

INVERNESS - It was the type of game coaches dread, on both ends.

First-year Lecanto coach Jim Manos shook his head in disgust after Friday's 8-0 loss to Citrus, summing up the game in one word, "overwhelmed." The Panthers made countless errors, slipping to 3-15 overall in a tumultuous season that has left the team barren of veteran players.

After a stellar defensive, errorless 1-0 victory against Class 4A, District 6 leader Crystal River the night before, Citrus (10-6) looked lackluster at best, resulting in coach Jon Bolin calling a team run after the game.

"We should have come out with more intensity," Bolin said. "You've got to be ready to play and instead we just went through the motions."

A collective sigh of relief seemingly could be heard from the stands as Citrus pitcher Derek Desomma closed out the night, capping his 12-strikeout performance in the top of the seventh.

Nine Lecanto errors - mostly in the infield - plagued the night. Despite making contact with the ball, Citrus struggled at times, with John Crabtree's soft, offspeed pitching pulling the ball instead of hitting in the middle or the opposite side, as Bolin has preached all season.

Citrus senior third baseman Cellin Neptune highlighted Citrus' offensive output. Fighting off a nagging back injury, Neptune found himself in the role of designated hitter for the first time this season. He scored twice, going 2-for-4 with a walk, a sacrifice fly, double and rightfield home run that went 320 yards or more.

After struggling in his first at-bat, Citrus sophomore Hunter Smith went 3-for-4, with a triple and two singles, and scored two runs on a fielder's choice and an error. Junior second baseman Chris Holland led Lecanto, going 2-for-3 with a single, double before striking out.

[Last modified April 1, 2006, 00:56:12]