Jesuit fights off Hillsborough's fifth-inning rally

Jesuit calls in star pitcher Matt Brazis to end Hillsborough's threat in a "must-win" game.

By BRENDAN GALELLA
Published March 11, 2008

TAMPA - Jesuit needed the help of Matt Brazis to hold off Hillsborough's rally.

Terriers catcher Marlon Mitchell started the comeback with a base hit up the middle to drive in two runs. Then Khiry McQuay drove in Randon Pinkney to tie the game at six.

In what Tigers coach Richie Warren called a "must-win" game, he brought in Brazis, who pitched on what was supposed to be a rest day and forced David Richardson to fly out to end the fifth.

"He's our guy. I mean he's been our horse on the mound, and you can't say enough good things about what he did (Monday)," Warren said. "We were hoping not to use him, but when it got close, we made the decision to bring him in because we really needed this one."

For the second time this season, Greg Dupell drove in the winning run against the Terriers (4-6). His single to rightfield in the sixth scored Austin Hartzler to give Brazis the lead.

Ryan Fleming walked to lead off the sixth and nearly was doubled up on a fly to first base. Fleming avoided the tag and stole second on the next pitch. Brazis was called for a balk, advancing the runner to third, but he clamped down and struck out the next two batters.

"I like coming into close. It's a pretty good feeling knowing you can come in and shut them down," Brazis said. "After that balk, I didn't want to deal with any more baserunners."

Jesuit (8-2) scored three more runs in the seventh, and Brazis retired the side for his second win this season.

"Our boys didn't give up and remained even-keeled after giving up the early lead. I liked that we stayed calm and found our comfort zone," Warren said. "When you have a guy like Matt on the mound, you're always going to feel comfortable."

Jesuit 10, Hillsborough 6

[Last modified March 10, 2008, 23:58:25]