Crusaders' bats heating things up

Tampa Catholic finishes off season sweep of district rival St. Petersburg Catholic.

By JUSTIN DARGAHI
Published March 12, 2008

TAMPA - Tampa Catholic used the long ball to finish off a season sweep against district rival St. Petersburg Catholic.

After defeating the Barons 5-3 earlier in the season, the Crusaders showed more offensive power this time around, winning 9-4 Tuesday.

Centerfielder Eric Gerken got Tampa Catholic (6-2) started with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning. The Crusaders added another run in the inning when starting pitcher Ryan Hammer singled home Shane Rowland.

"We got a couple home runs and our bats are definitely coming around," Tampa Catholic coach Rich Arena said. "I've always had confidence that we were going to swing it, and the guys are getting settled in."

St. Petersburg Catholic third baseman Ben Stewart cut the Crusaders' lead to one with a home run to dead center in the third inning. But Tampa Catholic responded with two runs in each of its last three innings, including home runs from Preston Packrall and Rowland, who reached base in all four of his plate appearances.

Stewart smacked another home run in the fifth inning for the Barons, but it was too little, too late.

"We wanted to challenge Stewart, but he's been hitting the ball very well," Arena said. "I thought the first home run he hit was on a very good pitch."

Hammer went four innings to get the win for Tampa Catholic. Bobby Twitty took the loss after allowing three runs in his 12/3 innings.

Tampa Catholic 9, SPC 4

[Last modified March 12, 2008, 00:06:04]