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Tornadoes keep their season going -- again

Clearwater takes advantage of eight Jefferson mistakes to win 4-3 and advance to the state semifinals.

[Times photo: Carrie Pratt] Clearwater first baseman Brandon Baker stretches for the ball in an attempt to make the out against Jefferson's Chris Dixon.

By JOHN SCHWARB

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 9, 2001

CLEARWATER -- Just a few weeks ago, Clearwater's season appeared destined for an abrupt ending -- if not in the districts, then surely early in the regional tournament.

Now it will end in Tampa.

The Tornadoes completed an improbable run through Class 4A, Region 3 Tuesday, topping Jefferson 4-3 for their first trip to the state tournament since 1995.

Clearwater faces Tallahassee Godby in the semifinals May 16 at Legends Field. Godby defeated Live Oak Suwannee 3-1.

"Oh baby, it's awesome," said sophomore designated hitter Matt Monnier, who drove in the winning run in the bottom of the seventh. "We came together, and at the end of this season, we decided we wanted to do it. And we're doing it. We're going to Legends."

Clearwater (19-13) feasted on abysmal fielding by Jefferson. The Dragons committed six errors in the first three innings to help the Tornadoes build a 3-0 lead. Then with the game 3-3 in the seventh, two errors helped load the bases with no out.

Mark Morris led off with a tame grounder to short, but Santy Garcia bounced the throw to first. Judd Loveland followed with a single to center. Pinch-runner Trey Garrison took a wide turn at second, retreated, then made it to third after a high throw back in from Andre Caldwell.

Ryan Graham was intentionally walked to load the bases, and Monnier smacked a one-strike delivery through the right side of the drawn-in infield to score Garrison. "It's a great feeling when you know you're moving on and for a game to end like that," Clearwater coach Steve McKee said.

Jefferson (18-11) tied the game in the fourth with three runs off starter Jason Costello. But outside of that inning, the senior held the Dragons at bay despite admitting to having less than his best stuff. In the other six innings, Costello allowed two hits and hit two batters while striking out five.

South Florida signee Jason Weintraub took the loss, though just one of the four runs he surrendered was earned. Clearwater's plan to cut down on its strikeouts and put the ball in play worked to near perfection as only two Tornadoes struck out and Jefferson committed eight errors.

Jefferson's playoff run began with an upset win over Dunedin, the team that stood above Clearwater all season and appeared to be the favorite in Region 3. The Tornadoes capitalized in its half of the bracket, beating Leto 12-0 and Dixie Hollins 8-6 to get to Jefferson.

All after a season spent hovering just above .500 and advancing to regionals from a No. 3 seed in the district tournament.

"It was kind of a roller coaster all year," McKee said. "We were frustrated with the way the year had gone. But to see how we've played the last couple of weeks I guess justifies a little of the frustration.

"We said at the end of April our record is 0-0. We kept repeating it and repeating it. I guess they never lost faith, and here we are."

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