Calm serves Sharks well

By DAVID MURPHY
Published March 28, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - It isn't clear when Nature Coast became the team beating opponents by nine runs, instead of losing by nine, but the transformation has occurred, and the Sharks say there is still some satisfaction to be gained from nights like this.

A week after losing its most anticipated game of the season and a day before a showdown with a powerful Key West team, Nature Coast was as impressive as it has been all season in dispatching county and district rival Springstead 11-2 Tuesday.

"We expect to win every time we take the field," Sharks coach Dan Garofano said.

Before every game, Garofano reminds his team to remain focused on the task at hand. And, from the looks of it, his players listen.

Against an Eagles team that has played better than its 3-12 record indicates, Nature Coast was outhit 4-1 in the first two innings and trailed 1-0 in the second after an RBI single by Patrick Dwyer.

But the Sharks (13-3, 9-1 Class 4A-8) didn't panic, and in the third inning rattled off five straight runs. Junior Brandon Derespiris, who finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored, hit an RBI single, and senior Travis Murray connected on a two-run double.

"We're coming together as a team like we haven't before," Derespiris said.

Springstead threatened again in the sixth, loading the bases with one out and cutting the lead to 5-2 on a sacrifice fly by Daniel Cougil. But Nature Coast starter Joe Silvestri (2-0) worked out of the jam, and Nature Coast scored six in the bottom half of the frame to seal the win.

Leadoff hitter Kyle Kuzniar went 2-for-4 with an RBI, a run and a stolen base. Blake Dudkewic went 2-for-2 with two runs scored.

Calm serves Sharks well

Nature Coast plays it cool while rallying or holding off Eagles' threat.

[Last modified March 28, 2007, 00:30:07]