 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Whitelaw delivers for Citrus
By KEITH NIEBUHR © St. Petersburg Times, published March 27, 2001 INVERNESS -- Flint Whitelaw's strong appearance as a starting pitcher last week has Citrus coach Mike Taylor feeling better about the stretch run. Whitelaw, a senior and first-year varsity player, started his first game on the mound Friday night against Lecanto and delivered a complete-game four-hitter. Two of Lecanto's hits came in the sixth inning, when the Panthers scored their lone run. Injuries to pitchers Sam McLain and Kyle Holtzhower forced Whitelaw (1-1), normally a reliever and second baseman, into a starting spot. "We talked about starting him early in the year, but we figured we'd be better off with him coming out of the bullpen," Taylor said. "He was more valuable to us there, but we've had some injuries lately. "(Whitelaw) is a tough kid. He just gets the job done." Taylor is not sure how Whitelaw will be used the rest of the season. McLain, the team's regular No. 1 starter, has a sore arm and has not pitched in several weeks. He will begin throwing again Wednesday at practice. The next day, McLain will be evaluated by doctors in Gainesville. "We'll see how it goes (Wednesday)," Taylor said. McLain's injury also hurts Citrus in the field. When he isn't pitching, McLain starts in center field and is considered to be the squad's top defensive outfielder. Lately, he has been relegated to playing designated hitter. Taylor said McLain's injury has not affected his hitting. AMAZIN' METZ: Lecanto's Jimmy Metz continues to be a bright spot at Lecanto. The junior pitcher/shortstop is hitting .482, and with a 2-3 record on the mound has half of his team's wins. In four of Metz's five decisions, he has 10 or more strikeouts. Metz's sixth-inning single drove in the Panthers' lone run in Friday's 4-1 loss to Citrus. HUMBLING WEEKEND: After a 14-1 start, Crystal River went 1-2 last week in the Fernandina Beach Invitational. Both losses were to ranked teams. Fernandina Beach, No. 7 in Class 4A last week, beat the Pirates 10-2. Gainesville P.K. Yonge , No. 2 in 2A, defeated Crystal River 13-9. NO CUPCAKES ALLOWED: During the next two weeks, Citrus plays games against Central, Crystal River, Ocala Forest, Hernando and Dunnellon -- all solid teams. The most intriguing game is Thursday's matchup at home against Class 3A, District 6 rival Crystal River. When the teams met earlier this season, the Pirates won 3-2. Next week's game at Dunnellon will go a long way toward determining who gets the No. 2 seed in the 3A-6 tournament. Crystal River, with a 6-0 district record, has locked up the No. 1 seed. Citrus, 2-3 in district play, has a shot at the No. 2 slot. Citrus lost to Dunnellon 6-3 two weeks ago. "It's a big stretch for us," Taylor said. TOUGH LOSS: Despite losing to Citrus, Lecanto's Eric Stewart was strong on the mound. The junior allowed seven hits and two earned runs in pitching a complete game. After being touched for four hits in the first two innings, Stewart (1-3) allowed three the rest of the way. Lecanto's biggest problem continues to be its fielding. The Panthers committed four errors against Citrus. -- Coaches are asked to call in results to (800) 333-7505, ext. 8123, as soon as possible after the game. Upcoming gamesTUESDAY: Citrus at Central, 6:30 p.m.; Lecanto at Hernando, 6:30. THURSDAY: Countryside at Seven Rivers Christian, 4 p.m.; Central at Lecanto, 6:30; Crystal River at Citrus, 6:30. FRIDAY: Woodsville (N.H.) at Crystal River, 1 p.m.; Ocala Kingdom at Seven Rivers Christian, 4; Springstead at Lecanto, 6:30; Woodsville (N.H.) at Citrus, 6:30. SATURDAY: Woodsville (N.H.) at Crystal River, 11 a.m.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
|
