Dunedin runs out of juice

Jefferson's Jonathon Hall keeps the Falcons' bats mostly in check.

By By Brandon Wright, Times Staff Writer
Published May 2, 2007

DUNEDIN - Dunedin scored 21 times against Tarpon Springs in its district-clinching win Friday. As it turns out, the Falcons should have saved a couple.

Jefferson got a pair of unearned runs in the second inning and starter Jonathon Hall held the prolific Dunedin lineup in check as the visiting Dragons advanced to the region semifinals with a 3-2 win Tuesday at Knology Park.

"All teams work hard, but this team worked so hard, " Dunedin coach Tom Hilbert said. "We left no stone unturned, and to have it end like this is tough."

It was the fourth time in the past seven years and second season in a row the Falcons have been knocked out of the playoffs by a Hillsborough County team.

Dunedin, which saw few left-handers this season, struggled against the lefty Hall 5-4. The Falcons (23-5) lineup, which features four lefties, managed just five hits and only one after the second inning.

"That was the matchup we wanted, " Jefferson coach Pop Cuesta said. "(Dunedin) really swings it well, but we were going to win or lose with Hall."

An uncharacteristic error by Dunedin shortstop Jacob Rogers allowed Jefferson to tie it at 2 in the second. Peter Millan put the Dragons (15-10) up 3-2 with an RBI single in the sixth before Dunedin rallied in its final at-bat. With one out, Mike Kumbat doubled deep to centerfield.

But Ryan Faison grounded out and Joe Montes tracked down Billy Perrillo's deep flyball to left, ending the game.

Brandon Wright can be reached at bwright@sptimes.com or (727) 892-2216.

[Last modified May 2, 2007, 00:38:59]