Pasco avoids collapse against Hernando

After blowing a three-run lead in their first meeting, the Pirates hold on for a 7-2 victory.

By MIKE CAMUNAS
Published March 10, 2007

DADE CITY - It was a rematch everyone wanted.

The starting pitchers, their teammates, coaches and parents. Everyone penciled in Friday's game immediately after the last meeting between Pasco and Hernando.

For the Leopards (9-1), it was a chance to take firm grasp of the district. For the Pirates (9-2), it was a chance for revenge.

"I wanted a rematch that night (after it lost)," pitcher Colena Lazar said.

Pasco won 7-2 at the Boneyard, avenging a 5-4 loss on Feb. 27 in which the Pirates blew a three-run lead in the seventh thanks to six costly errors.

"We actually beat ourselves that night," Pirates coach Shamalene Broner said. "They didn't beat us last game, we did it to ourselves. They can overcome those errors if they relax and have fun. They did that."

Tied at 1 after an RBI double by Pasco's Brianne Farmer and a home run by Hernando's Alex Gaffney, the Pirates picked up six runs on three hits in the third. Ari Lowman (9-1) walked home three runs and gave up an RBI single to Kalee Burchfield.

Hernando coach Kevin Bittinger said the inning doomed his team's chances.

"I think we're pretty evenly matched, we just had one bad inning," Bittinger said. "I'm not taking anything away from Pasco, because they hit the snot out of the ball."

"I think we're the No. 1 team to beat," said Lazar, who pitched a one-hit complete game, striking out four. "Everyone will gun for us now."

Added Burchfield: "This (win) says, 'Take us seriously.' We may have a bad game here or there, but we will come back and take (a win), because we want to be seen as team that will fight for the (district title)."

GULF 13, HUDSON 6: Gulf used its bats, and everyone in the starting lineup registered a hit. Bucs freshman Brittney Mayhill is now 7-for-7 with a walk in her past two games. And Gulf catcher Devin Fellman was 2-for-2 with three RBIs and is 10 for her last 13 at bats.

Izzy Gould, Times staff writer

[Last modified March 10, 2007, 00:12:36]