First Annual Dolphin Fishing Tournament Announced

Palmetto 2 - Hialeah 7
April 22, 2010 at Alex Fernandez Field

Baseball is a game of inches and opportunity.  On Thursday night at Alex Fernandez Field in Hialeah, inches and opportunity would determine the outcome of the GMAC Championship game played between the Hialeah T-breds and the Palmetto Panthers.  On offense, the T-breds collected 13 hits in plating 7 runs, with all but their final run scoring after the Panthers had recorded two outs.  On defense, they played inspired and near errorless ball in holding the Panthers to 2 runs.  In contrast, the Panthers’ game was defined by near hits and near catches.  A game of inches at the plate; a game of inches in the field; a game of missed opportunities!
 
The Panthers have spent much time living on the edge this season with many “W”s achieved on late rallies or runs scored with two outs.  On this night there would be no miracle rally.  
 
Starting pitcher, Jon Keebler, riding a string of three consecutive complete game victories, took the loss giving up 4 runs – 2 unearned – in two innings of work (Keebler’s only other loss this season was also against Hialeah).  Alex Urrutia took the mound in the third and delivered a courageous performance as he held the T-breds scoreless through the fifth.  Mike Cetta relieved Urrutia in the sixth and Brandon Kacer closed out the game.
 
The Panthers’ bats, which produced 12 runs in defeating Coral Gables to earn their spot in the GMAC Championship Game, were limited to 5 hits by Hialeah pitcher, Robert Rodriguez.  Back-to-back-to- back singles by Lee and the Delgado brothers with one out in the third loaded the bases.  A fielder’s choice by Sanford coupled with a Hialeah error accounted for the Panthers only runs. 
 
Few things in life are more difficult to face than loss.  Losing exposes vulnerabilities and elicits responses that define our character.  As we head into the District playoffs we must remember that baseball is a team sport.  Each team member has a responsibility to every other team member to be prepared - physically and mentally - to do their best and give their all.  When any effort falls short, it is only as a team that you achieve victory or suffer defeat.  Now is the time to focus on the opportunities ahead.

Panthers Battle Cougars in District Showdown
April 9th, 2010 at Killian High School

On Friday, April 9, 2010, at 3:30 pm, your Palmetto Panthers matched up against the Killian Cougars, west of the highway. The atmosphere at the ballpark was full of electricity, vim and vigor, energy, or - insert your favorite metaphor. They would all work this day. Taking the mound for Killian was Andrew Grifol, Killian’s ace, with a 4-win and 1-loss record. Palmetto countered with their own ace, Adam Sargent, at 6-wins and 1-loss. The first inning saw each team send three batters to the plate, no one successfully reaching first.

In the second inning, Palmetto went three up and three down. In the bottom of two, Killian sent seven batters to the plate and tallied two runs. Theo Castillo led the inning off, reaching first on a free pass, after being hit by Sargent. Any baseball purist will tell you bases on balls and hit batsmen will always come back to hurt the pitcher and, today, this adage would prove to be true. Killian’s next batter, Andrew Grifol, flied out to right field. Ruben Munoz followed with a base on balls and the next Killian batter, Mark Armenteros, grounded out on a liner to third base. With two outs, it looked as if Palmetto would get out of the inning unscathed. However, the next batter, Mandy Alvarez, was also hit by Sargent. With bases loaded, Daniel Andrade came to the plate. Andrade reached on a fielding error, scoring two runs for Killian. Julian Santos came to the dish and flied out to left field to end the second inning with Killian up on the Panthers 2-0.

In the top of three, Palmetto sent four batters to the plate. Adam Pincus grounded out to third and Brian Roache reached first on an error. However, Jake Molkentin and David Lee failed to reach, ending the inning. Ryan Arrick reached first in the Killian half of the third after being hit by the pitch. Noah Soven grounded out to the shortstop, Theo Castillo flied out to center and Ruben Munoz grounded out to the second baseman. However, Arrick did come around to score after stealing second, advancing to third on Soven’s ground out, and scoring on Castillo’s fly out to center. After three complete innings the score was 3-0 in Killian’s favor. Palmetto sent three batters to the plate in the top of four with Riley Delgado, Bones Delgado, and Yale Sanford each looking forward to their next at bats. Killian entered the bottom of the fourth inning with Mark Armenteros grounding out to Sargent and Mandy Alvarez grounding out to Delgado at short for the second out. Daniel Andrade then hit a double to left field, but the inning would end on a hard-hit line drive, smoothly handled at third base by Riley Delgado.

Going into the top of the fifth, time was running out on the Panthers. First to the plate was Hutch Cunningham, grounding out to the shortstop for out number one. Todd Smith reached first by working the count full and drawing a walk, followed by Adam Pincus reaching on a fielder’s choice. However, Brian Roache’s appearance ended the inning in a double play. Ryan Arrick led the fifth for Killian with a ground out to Bones at short stop and the next batter, Noah Soven, flied out to left field. Theo Castillo was up next and hit a no-doubter over the left field fence. Grifol then ended the fifth with a fly out to right field, making the score 4-0, Killian. This would also be the end of the contest for Adam Sargent, who left the game after the fifth with one strikeout, three hits, three hit batsmen, and two walks.

With the Panthers now playing on borrowed time in the top of the sixth, Jake Molkentin grounded out to the pitcher for the first out, followed by David Lee, also grounding out to the pitcher. Riley Delgado earned a free pass and advanced to second on a Bones Delgado single to right. However, the inning ended with the Delgado brothers left on base. With Jacob Marchus on the mound for Palmetto in the bottom of six, Munoz worked the count to 3-0 and took the next pitch over the left field fence for a one-run homer, putting Killian up 5-0. Mark Armenteros singled to center and Mandy Alvarez struck out looking to Marchus. Daniel Andrade reached on a fielder’s choice as Marchus fielded the ball and chose to throw over to third and bag the lead runner for the second out of the inning. Julian Santos drew a walk off of Marchus and Ryan Arrick flied out to Bones at short, ending the inning. After six complete innings, the score stood at 5-0, Killian over Palmetto.

In the top of the seventh, Palmetto came to bat knowing it would be a huge challenge to overcome Killian’s commanding lead. Just a week ago, the Panthers beat Barron Collier, coming from behind in the top of the seventh to win the Premier Bracket of the Sarasota Baseball Classic. However, in that game, the Panthers were down by a single run. Obviously this challenge was going to be tougher. With Grifol still pitching, Hutch Cunningham was the leadoff batter in the designated hitter spot to start the inning for Palmetto. Cunningham worked the count to 3 and 1 and drew a base on balls. Todd Smith, Grifol’s second batter of the inning, flied out to right field – one out. Adam Pincus came to the plate and drew another base on balls, advancing Cunningham to second. At this point, Killian brought in Nick Penate in relief. Penate faced Brain Roache and worked the count full, before issuing a walk to Roache. Cunningham advanced to third and Pincus to second. With the bases loaded, Jake Molkentin came to the plate and also drew a base on balls, advancing the runners and pushing Cunningham across the plate for Palmetto’s first run of the game. Up next, David Lee faced Killian’s closer, Mark Armenteros. Lee crushed a double to left field scoring Pincus and Roache, making the score 5-3, Killian. The Panthers could taste it. Up next for Palmetto, Riley Delgado grounded out to the short stop for the second out of the inning. With a lot riding on this plate appearance and patient as ever, Bones Delgado waited for his pitch. He got what he wanted and drilled the ball to shortstop. Soven could not field the ball cleanly, it got behind him in shallow center field and allowed Jake Molkentin and David Lee to score, tying the game at 5-5. Now, two outs in the top of the seventh, Yale Sanford hit a double to left, advancing Bones to third. While sliding into third, Bones aggravated a wrist injury and Daniel Abreu entered the game as the pinch runner. Coming to the plate in the designated hitter’s spot, Daniel Lynch was awarded a free pass and intentionally walked by Killian head coach, Angel Herrera. The next Panther to face Armenteros, Todd Smith, promptly laced a single up the middle allowing Abreu and Sanford to score on the play. The score now, 7-5 in Palmetto’s favor. Adam Pincus walked, putting Palmetto runners on first and third. Brain Roache would be the 13th Palmetto batter to come to the plate in the inning, but grounded out to the third baseman, ending the improbable top of the seventh for a very inspired Palmetto team.

With the game in his hands, Palmetto’s closer, Mike Cetta, had no intentions of letting the Panthers leave the yard disappointed. He got Soven to fly out to center and Castillo to strike out looking. The next batter, Andrew Grifol, was hit by a pitch and awarded first base. With two out and a runner on first, Ruben Munoz came to the plate. After hitting a home run in his last at bat, Munoz must have had thoughts of tying the score with one swing of the bat. It was not to be, however, as Munoz hit a fly ball to center for the final out.

What a game and what a comeback. Jacob Marchus was the winning pitcher and Mike Cetta was awarded a save. Palmetto now looks ahead to two very big district games against South Dade next week.

TEAM OF THE WEEK
The Palmetto baseball team became the first Miami-Dade County team in six years to win a championship at the Sarasota Classic. Pitchers Adam Sargent, Jacob Marchus, Jon Keebler and Michael Cetta helped the Panthers win four games and secure the Premier bracket title. Yale Sanford hit for the cycle and had seven RBI in the first victory against North Port.

-- ANDRE C. FERNANDEZ
CLICK HERE for article...

2010 Sarasota Baseball Classic All Tournament Team – Premier Bracket
Friday, April 2, 2010

Four Palmetto Panthers, the most from any team in the 32- team field, were selected to the Premier Bracket All Tournament Team of the 25th Annual Sarasota Baseball Classic, recognized by Baseball America as one of the premier prep tourneys in the country.

Panthers Win 25th Annual Sarasota Baseball Classic – Premier Bracket
Barron Collier 2 - Palmetto 3
Thursday, April 1, 2010 – Sarasota, Florida

Why do high school teams come to the Sarasota Baseball Classic? For the opportunity to play against the best coached and best prepared teams around. Long known as a prep-school sports haven, the town of Sarasota would provide the venue for one of the greatest games in Miami Palmetto’s varsity baseball history. With the backdrop of a Premier Classic Baseball Championship, Miami Palmetto and Barron Collier would hit the clay and would not disappoint.
Zack Tillery took the mound for the Cougars to start the game as Palmetto would be the visiting team for the first time in this tournament. David Lee opened with a single up the middle, but Tillery settled down and retired the next three batters, setting up the bottom of frame.
Mike Cetta took the mound for the Panthers and retired the first batter before giving up two singles. The Cougars clean-up hitter, Joe Costigan, stepped into the batter’s box. But on this day, and for this at bat, this classic match-up would be won by Cetta as he struck out Costigan for the second out, taking away his opportunity to put his team ahead. Another strikeout, looking, to pitcher, Zack Tillery, and Cetta ended the inning.
With one out in the top of the second, Hutch Cunningham stroked a double to right center. Adam Pincus followed with a double to left, scoring Cunningham. Tillery again settled down, retiring the next two batters. In the bottom of the second, the Cougars offense produced two singles, but aided by a double play, the Panthers ended the Cougar threat. The score after two, Palmetto – 1, Barron Collier – 0.
Both pitchers retired the side in the third.
With one out in the top of the fourth inning, the Panthers put two runners on base on an error and a single, but the next two batters grounded out. In the bottom of the inning with two outs, Cougar senior Scott Wiebel hit a solo shot to left center, tying the game. Cetta hit the next batter before recording the third out. At 1–1, a classic battle was taking place.
Backed by their defenses, the score remained 1–1 until the bottom of the sixth, when the Cougars took the lead. Tillery lead off with a double and, with one out, scored on a bloop single by Vierra. The Panthers brought in Sargent, winner of their first game against North Port, to finish the inning.
Top of the seventh, trailing 2–1, with one out, Adam Pincus hit a grounder to shortstop Chris Schaedel that took an odd hop allowing him to reach base. The Panther’s had not managed a runner on base in their previous ten at bats up to this point. Barron Collier’s coach, Dan Maurer, walked to the mound to talk to his pitcher. After deciding not to make a change, Brian Roache stepped up to bat. Swinging on the first pitch, Roache blasted a two -run homer over the left center field fence, putting the Panthers up 3–2. Barron Collier would record the final two outs to set up their last at bat.
Palmetto Ace, Adam Sargent, took the mound again in the bottom of the seventh. Barron Collier fought back valiantly, loading the bases with two outs on two singles and a walk. Alex Vierra, who batted in the Cougar’s go ahead run in the sixth, stepped up to the plate. After falling behind in the count, Sargent struck out Vierra to end the game.
On April 1, 2010, the Miami Palmetto Panthers were crowned Champions of the 25th Annual Sarasota Baseball Classic Premier Bracket. But something else very special happened on this day. After years of rebuilding the baseball program at Palmetto, there can be no doubt that the Palmetto Panthers have firmly established a tradition of winning. To Coach Mike Klekotka, and Assistant Coaches Danny Smith and Jeff Steiner – This one’s for you!

Palmetto Defeats Westfield to Play for the Title
Westfield 4 - Palmetto 14
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 – Sarasota, Florida

Coming off impressive victories over North Port and West Broward, the Panthers were in a position to play in the Championship Game if they could pull off a victory over the mighty Bulldogs from Westfield, Virginia. The Bulldogs, equally impressive with two consecutive 10-run-rule victories over Flagler and Bishop Verot, and undefeated in their high school season, looked to be a formidable opponent. The Panthers and Bulldogs took the Riverview High School field at 7pm, but from the beginning it was clear that one team was hungrier and more focused than the other.
The Panthers were the home team once again and would start the game on defense with Jon Keebler on the mound. Facing a team that had scored 28 runs in their first two victories, the Panthers looked resolute as they retired the side in order. In the bottom of the first, David Lee led off with the first of his four hits for the game, a double in the gap to right center. Riley Delgado followed with a walk and Bones Delgado with a double, scoring Lee. With one out, Danny Lynch doubled to left center, scoring Riley and Bones. Adam Pincus drew a walk with two outs, and Brian Roache followed with a triple, scoring two. Roache’s head first slide into third was a testament to the determination of the 2010 Panthers. At the end of one, Panthers - 5, Bulldogs – 0.
Over the next three innings, the Panthers would hold the Bulldogs scoreless while adding four more runs on RBIs by Sanford, Molkentin, Lee and Roache. At the end of four, Panthers – 9, Bulldogs – 0.
Going into the fifth, the Panthers were in command, but the Bulldogs were not ready to roll over and play dead. Leading off for Westfield, McLaughlin grounded out to third, Bulas reached on an error and Scoville stroked a triple to right center, scoring Bulas. A sacrifice fly by Corwin scored Scoville, Hoover reached first on an error and the DH, Thorpe, walked. After another reach on error, a score by Hoover and a hit batter, Keebler settled down to retire the side. At the end of five, Panthers – 9, Bulldogs – 3.
In the top of the sixth, Westfield added one run on an RBI double by Corwin. The Bulldogs were clearly not ready to sit and shake hands.
Coming to bat in the bottom of the sixth, the Panthers never suspected that they were about to achieve the improbable. Pincus, Roache, Molkentin and Riley Delgado would all cross the plate producing a final score of 14 -4 and a 10-run-rule victory over the mighty Bulldogs from Westfield. With destiny knocking at the door, the 2010 Panthers would make their first Championship appearance at the Sarasota Baseball Classic. Well done!

Sarasota Baseball Classic
Palmetto 10 - West Broward Prep 4
March 30, 2010 - Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex

Palmetto’s second game of the day would be played at the Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex. Palmetto would be victorious versus a worthy opponent in West Broward Preparatory School. Jacob Marchus would start the game on the hill for Palmetto and pitch a masterful game. Jacob went five innings, giving up seven hits, four runs, and striking out two batters. On the offensive side of the ball, David Lee and Danny Lynch led the way with three hits each. Riley Delgado and Hutch Cunningham each had two hits in the contest. Palmetto did all of their damage in the second and third innings, scoring three runs in the second and seven runs in the third.
Danny Lynch led off the second inning with a single to left field, followed by a double to right by Hutch Cunningham. Adam Pincus then drew a base on balls and, with the bases loaded, Brian Roache hit a single to center field, scoring Lynch. Trying to add the second run, Cunningham was thrown out at the plate. After two outs, David Lee drove a single to center, scoring Pincus and Roache, aided by an error when the ball got past the center fielder, and Riley Delgado followed with a single up the middle. After two complete innings, 3-0, Palmetto.
In the third and with one out, Lynch hit another single to left. Cunningham approached the plate and laced a single to right field and Pincus then hit a single to center. Brian Roache added another single to left, scoring Danny Lynch. Next in line for the hit parade, Jake Molkentin drove a double to left field that scored Cunningham and Pincus. David Lee and Riley Delgado both joined the fun, Lee crushing a triple to left center, scoring Roache and Molkentin and Delgado lacing a single to right field, scoring Lee. With two outs and batting around the order, Yale Sanford came to the plate again, drawing a base on balls. With his second hit of the inning, Lynch had an RBI single, scoring Riley Delgado. Palmetto brought 13 batters to the dish in the inning and scored seven runs.
West Broward would score two in the third and two in the fifth. Chris Flores faced four batters in the sixth inning and produced two strikeouts to help the Panthers secure the victory. Alex Urrutia closed out the game in the seventh inning for Palmetto. Jacob Marchus was the winning pitcher.

Sarasota Baseball Classic
March 30, 2010, Sarasota, Florida

North Port 1 - Palmetto 11

SANFORD: Hits for the Cycle with a Grand Slam Homerun

Monday’s game was postponed due to foul weather and the Panthers drew the short end of the stick with an 8 am first pitch Tuesday morning against North Port; but the Panther bats were wide awake with Yale Sanford hitting for the cycle along with a Grand Slam. Adam Sargent on the mound for the Panthers gave up one run on two hits with nine strikeouts over five innings.

In the top of the first, Sargent hit a batter and gave up a walk, but the defense held the Bobcats with an uncommon double play. David Lee (2-3, 2 RBI) fielded the ball and flipped it to Bones Delgado (1-2) who alertly tossed it to Riley Delgado (1-4, 1 RBI) at third, getting the lead runner leaning to end the inning.

Down 1-0 in the bottom of the third, Brian Roache (1-2, 2B) led the inning with a double up the middle. Jake Molkentin (1-1) sacrificed Roache to third followed by Lee, who singled in Roache. With two outs and two on, Sanford (4-4,7RBI) hit a triple to score the Delgado brothers.

With the score now 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth, the Panthers bats stayed alive with Hutch Cunningham (1-3, 1 RBI) hitting a monstrous homerun over the centerfield wall. Adam Pincus (1-2) was then hit by a pitch and Brian Roache drew a walk. With no outs and runners now on first and second, Jake Molkentin beat out the bunt to load the bases. Lee’s sacrifice fly scored Pincus and advanced Roache to third. R. Delgado singled, scoring Roache. With runners again on first and second, and only one out, Bones drew a walk to load the bases for Sanford. After the second North Port pitching change of the inning and the count 1-0, Sanford connected with the fast ball, sending it over the left field fence for his first high school career Grand Slam. Danny Lynch (2-3) and Adam Pincus continued the hitting, each reaching on singles. The inning ended with the Panthers leading 10-1.

In the top of the fifth Sargent faced four hitters, striking out three. In the Palmetto half of the inning, only needing one more run to mercy-rule the Bobcats, David Hopwood, pinch hitting for Molkentin, led off with a fly ball to left field. Lee reached on a single to right and Bones followed with another single to right, bringing up Sanford. On the first pitch, Sanford took the pitch deep to right center field. Knowing he needed the double for the cycle, he put on the after burners, sliding safely into second. With Lee and Bones both scoring, the game ended on the Mercy Rule 11-1.

Up next for the Panthers is West Broward at the Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex today at 4:30 p.m.

To follow the Sarasota Baseball Classic tournament games and results go to: www.sarasotabaseballclassic.com.

Panthers Suffer First District Loss

Southridge 7 - Palmetto 6
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - Panther Field

Down 3-0 before their first at bat, the Panthers suffered their first district loss today at the hands of the Spartans of Southridge.

Mike Cetta on the mound in relief, held the Spartans to only one run on two hits through the fifth inning. Adam Sargent came in the sixth, sitting down the top of the Spartans order, one, two, three. Unfortunately, the Spartans came up with two clutch hits in the seventh to take the lead for good.

Jake Molkentin (1-3) led off the Panthers in the fifth with a single, followed by a monstrous homerun to left field by David Lee (3-4, 3 RBI’s). Down now by only two, Riley Delgado (2-4) singled and advanced after a walk by Yale Sanford (1-3, 1RBI). Two wild pitches later, both batters advanced, Delgado scoring and Sanford to third. Hutch Cunningham (1-3, 1 RBI), getting his first start in place of injured Todd Smith, hit an RBI single, scoring Sanford. Unable to continue the rally, the inning ended with the score tied 6-6.

In the Spartan half of the seventh, Sargent got the first batter to ground out to short while the next batter singled to center field. After a sacrifice bunt to move the runner to second, Chris Sanchez hit an RBI single to right field, putting the Spartans ahead by one.

The Panthers, now in unfamiliar territory, have to come from behind. Unfortunately the Spartans’ pitcher was hot and shut down the Panthers in order to end the game.

Up next for the Panthers is the Sarasota Baseball Classic with the first game on Monday, March 29th, against North Port. To follow the Panthers while they are in Sarasota, click on the link: http://www.sarasotabaseballclassic.com/

The Panthers return home on April 7th at 3:30 p.m. against Varela.

Palmetto 7 - Coral Reef 6
Friday, March 17, 2010 Mark Light Stadium

Tonight the Panthers showed why they are #1 in the district (5-0) by beating rival Coral Reef, 7-1 at Alex Rodriguez Park. Adam Sargent pitched his 3rd complete game in four starts, with seven more strikeouts, bringing his season total to 35.

The Panthers took advantage of costly errors by the Cudas in the first inning to score the only two runs they would need. With two outs and the bases loaded, Todd Smith (1-2, 1 RBI) drew a walk bringing in Bones Delgado (1-2, 1 RBI, 3 BB) who also reached on walk. Adam Pincus reached on an error by the first baseman, allowing Yale Sanford (BB) to score the second and final run of the inning.

With the score 2-1 going into the top of the sixth, Jake Molkentin was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. With Molkentin advancing to third after two wild pitches, David Lee (3-5, 1 RBI) singled, driving in Molkentin. The Delgado brothers each drew walks and with one out, Daniel Lynch (2-5, 2 RBIs) came up big with a double, scoring Lee and Riley Delgado. With the bases loaded again with Panthers, Adam Pincus was hit by a pitch, walking in Bones Delgado for the fourth run of the inning. The Panthers added one more run in the sixth with Sargent shutting down the Cudas again one, two, three, to end the game.

Up next for the Panthers, the second game of the season against Southridge at home on Wednesday.

South Miami 2 - Palmetto 13
Monday, March 15, 2010 - Panther Field

In the third mercy-rule-shorten game of the season, Palmetto beat South Miami 13-2 on Monday. Starting pitcher Jacob Marchus, pitched three innings, giving up only one run. Jon Keebler and Adam Sargent both came in for what turned out to be nothing more than bullpen sessions to pitch the fourth and fifth respectively.

At the plate this afternoon, David Lee (3-4, 4 RBI’s), Riley Delgado (2-4, 1 RBI), Bones Delgado (2-3) and Yale Sanford (4-4, 4 RBI’s) all had multiple hits. Lee and Sanford also had homeruns, the first of the season for Lee, the second for Sanford. Adding to the homeruns today, was newcomer, Hutch Cunningham.

Next up for the Panthers is cross-town rival Coral Reef at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Stadium.

Panthers 9 - Coral Gables 11
Monday, March 8, 2010

The Panthers were out played tonight by the Cavaliers in a high scoring game at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

With singles by David Lee (2-5), Bones Delgado (4-5), Yale Sanford (2-5) and Daniel Lynch (2-4) the Panthers took an early 3-0 lead in their half of the first, scored one more in the second and added two more in the third. The Cavs pitcher then held the Panther bats in check until the sixth allowing three more runs on five hits.

Down 6-11, through four, the top half of the fifth, the Panthers begin to rally when Riley Delgado (1-4) and Bones both singled, Lynch reached on a fielder’s choice followed by Todd Smith’s (2-4) single, scoring Riley Delgado. Pinch hitting for Adam Pincus with two on, Hutch Cunningham drew a walk to load the bases for Brian Roache (2-3), who singled in Lynch. Jake Molkentin kept the inning alive with another single (1-4), scoring Smith.

Down by two, the Panthers were unable to rally in the top of the seventh, falling short tonight 9-11.
Up next for the Panthers on Friday, South Dade and Monday, South Miami

Note: Friday’s game against South Dade was postponed due to weather.

Coral Reef 7 - Panthers 8
Saturday, March 6, 2010

Saturday morning the Panthers hosted the Barracudas of Coral Reef and the Village of Palmetto Bay Mayor, Gene Flynn in the Third Annual Mayor’s Cup game. Palmetto regained the cup with an 8-7 victory, keeping their district record perfect at 4-0.

John Kebbler pitched five shutout innings, with 2 K’s. Through the first four innings, Kebbler kept the Barracudas off base with great control and solid defense behind him. With two on in the fifth, Kebbler was able to get out of a jamb to keep the shutout intact. Mike Cetta pitched the seventh to close the game and record the save.

The Panthers scored seven runs on eight hits, with the underclassmen leading the way with five of the eight hits. Both Jake Molkentin and Yale Sanford recorded two hits each. The RBI’s were spread out amongst all hitters with Riley and Bones Delgado, Max Halasz, Daniel Lynch, Brian Roache and Jake Molkentin adding to their already hefty RBI totals.

Up next for the Panthers is the first of their two games at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Stadium against the Cavaliers of Coral Gables.

Panthers Rout Cougars 10-0
Friday, March 5, 2010 - Panther Field

On Friday afternoon, the Palmetto Panthers hosted the Killian Cougars in the first of their two-game series. In what proved to be no contest at all, the Panthers routed the Cougars 10-0 to take a 3-0 lead in the District.

Julian Santos led off the game with a single; stole second and advanced to third on Ryan Arrick’s ground-out to third. The next two batters became the first two of Sargent’s seven strike-out victims.

In the Panthers half of the first, Riley Delgado drew a walk and was followed by his older brother, Bones. With two on and one out, Yale Sanford reached on a fielder’s choice, advancing Riley Delgado to third. A two-out RBI single by Max Halasz scored Riley Delgado for the first of the ten Panther runs.The Cougars went down one, two, three in the second and the Panthers only managed a single by David Lee.

After Noah Soven grounded out to short, Santos again was the only Cougar to reach base in the third, albeit on a Panther error. Bones Delgado and Sanford each led off the Panther half with singles. With one out, Brian Roache’s two-run RBI double started to quiet the Cougar dugout and fans.

Going into the top of the fourth, with the Panthers leading 3-0, Sargent continued to handle the Cougar hitters with another one, two, three inning. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Riley Delgado on second and Bones on first, Sanford hit an RBI single scoring Riley Delgado. Halasz was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. After a Cougar pitching change, Todd Smith’s bases-clearing double quieted the shell-shocked Cougar dugout and fans for good.

With the score 7-0 in the top half of the fifth, Sargent gave up the second of his three hits, but the defense came up with a crucial double play, keeping the shutout in tack. Daniel Lynch led off the Panther fifth with a walk, followed by Jake Molkentin’s single. Lee moved the runners up on his at bat. With runners now on second and third and two outs, Bones Delgado came up with a big double, scoring both base runners. The score after five complete, Killian - 0, Panthers - 9.

In the Cougar half of the sixth, Soven reached on a base hit, Santos grounded out to second, Arrick struck out and Grifol grounded out to first, leaving Soven, after stealing, stranded on third. Halasz led off the bottom of the sixth with a walk, Smith grounded out to the pitcher but Halasz swiftly moved over to second. Determined to send the Cougars home early, Brian Roache came up to bat. With the count now at 2-2, he hit the game-ending single, scoring Halasz for the 10th and final run. For the second time this season, the Panthers mercy ruled a district rival.

Tomorrow the Panthers host their other cross-town rival, Coral Reef High School.

Panthers Continue to Roll with Three Big Wins
Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Miami Springs 3 - Panthers 11
Sporting a 4-1 record following the 2010 Akadema Battle at the Ridge, the Panthers continued to roll going into their home opener at Panther Field, Thursday, February 25th against the Golden Hawks of Miami Springs.
Multiple hits by veterans Yale Stanford, Max Halasz and Bones Delgado, along with first-year lettermen Todd Smith and Jake Molkentin, helped lead the Panthers with 11 runs on 14 hits. The pitching of John Keebler and Chris Flores kept the Hawks in check for six innings with Michael Cetta coming in to close the game out in the 7th.

Panthers 13 - Southridge 1
The next night the Panthers played their first of two games against district rival Southridge. Adam Sargent set the tone early with a dominating pitching performance. Sargent struck out eight over five innings, only allowing a solo homerun in the 4th. No other Spartans were to reach first base. With the 10-run rule in effect, Jacob Marchus came in to close out the game with a perfect 6th inning.
Going into the fourth, with the game tied 0-0, the Panther bats came alive with hits by Max Halasz, Adam Pincus, Brian Roache, Jake Molkentin, David Lee and Riley Delgado, ultimately scoring six runs on six. The offensive barrage continued in the sixth inning with the Panthers batting around the order scoring seven more runs on seven hits.

Panthers 2 - Varela 0
Wednesday, March 3rd, the Panthers were on the road to face one of the top pitching prospects, John Barbato, and the Varela Vipers. With at least 15 MLB scouts in attendance, Jacob Marchus threw a gem of a game for the Panthers, proving he was the best pitcher today. Jacob led the Panthers to their seventh victory of the season throwing a complete game, 3-hit shutout.
The game stayed tied 0-0 until the fifth when Todd Smith led the inning with a hit to center field and advanced to second on Brian Roache’s sac bunt. Adam Pincus came up with a line-drive double over the third baseman, allowing Smith to score. Jake Molkentin then hit a shot to center field scoring Pincus. This was all the Panthers needed for the 2-0 victory.
Next up for the Panthers is archrival Killian on Friday, March 5th, 3:30 pm at Panther Field. Saturday, March 6th the team hosts Coral Reef for the annual Village of Palmetto Bay Mayor’s Cup. Game time is 1:00 p.m. The Panthers finish up a grueling four-game stretch on Monday night, 7:00 pm, against Coral Gables at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

AKADEMA BATTLE at the RIDGE

Hialeah 12 - Panthers 2
Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Panthers took on the Thoroughbreds of Hialeah in their first game at the annual Akadema Battle at the Ridge. The Panthers kept it close through the first four innings with the game tied at two.

Panthers 6 - Southwest 1
Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Coming off the loss to Hialeah, the Panthers came out to show their PRIDE with a win in their second game at the Battle at the Ridge.

Adam Sargent, in his new role as pitcher, shut down the Eagles in his first varsity start on the mound. Sargent held the Eagles to only one run and one hit, striking out twelve Eagles through seven complete innings. Sargent settled down nicely after allowing one walk and one hit batter in the first and a hit batter in the second. In the forth, a throwing error by Sargent led to the only run scored by the Eagles.

The Panthers offense was led by a monster homerun by Yale Sanford in the fourth and triples by the Delgado brothers, Riley in the first and Bones in the seventh. The Panthers scored two runs in the fourth, keeping the score tight at 3-1, then opened it up in the top of the seventh, scoring three more runs to seal the win.

Panthers 9 - Ferguson 1
Saturday, February 20, 2010

Behind a strong pitching performance by Jacob Marchus, the Panthers beat Ferguson to end the Akadema Battle of the Ridge in a three-way tie with Killian and Hialeah, Hialeah the winner in the tie -breaker with most runs scored.

Marchus threw five strong innings allowing only one run on seven hits and had great control, striking out three without allowing a walk. John Keebler came in relief of Marchus in the sixth, followed by Michael Cetta in the seventh. Keebler had one strikeout and Cetta two, neither allowing a run in their combined two innings of work.

In the fourth, with the game tied 1-1 and Max Halasz on second, Brian Roache singled, scoring Halasz. Following a sac bunt by Adam Pincus and a passed ball; Roache advanced to third. Up next, Todd Smith with a base hit, but Roache stayed on third. Smith stole second and Jake Molkentin’s sac fly scored Roache for the final run of the inning.

After scoring one run in the fifth, the Panthers went into the sixth with a 4-1 lead. Pincus and Smith both walked. With no outs and two on, Molkentin reached on a throwing error by the pitcher, allowing Smith to move to third; Pincus to score and Molkentin advancing to second. David Lee hit an RBI single scoring Smith. Riley Delgado continued the hit parade with his own RBI, scoring Molkentin. An error by the shortstop allowed Bones Delgado to reach first and Lee to score. After two sac flies by Yale Sanford and Halasz, Riley Delgado scored the fifth and final run of the inning.

Up next for the Panthers is the first of two games against archrival Killian.

Panthers 11 - Sunset 5
Friday, February 12, 2010 – at South Dade High School

In the second game of the young season, the 2010 Varsity Panthers took on the Sunset Knights in a pre-season tune up at South Dade.

With the pitchers seeing only limited duty, Jon Keebler took the mound for the first three innings. Keebler struck out five Knights, allowing two runs on five hits. Chris Flores took over for Keebler, making his first varsity appearance. Flores pitched two solid innings, allowing one run and one hit. Brandon Kacer, another young newcomer to the varsity squad, came in to close out the game, allowing two meaningless runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Going into the fourth, with the Panthers in the lead 4-2, Jake Molkentin and David Lee both drew walks. Riley Delgado then reached on a throwing error by the pitcher, which also allowed Molkentin to score. With runners on the corners, Bones Delgado walked to load the bases. Yale Sanford, up next, also reached first on a fielding error by the shortstop, which allowed Lee to score. With the bases still loaded with Panthers, Max Halasz hit a triple, scoring the Delgado brothers and Sanford. Daniel Lynch kept the inning alive with a walk. With two outs, Molkentin came up to bat again, this time hitting a triple to score Lynch. On only two hits in the inning the Panthers scored seven runs.

Next up on the schedule for the Panthers will be the defense of their title at the annual Akadema Battle at the Ridge at South Ridge High School.

Panthers Open Season with Thrilling Extra-Innings Win!
Thursday, February 11, 2010

Wow!!!!  What a way to start the 2010 Panther varsity baseball season! It was an exciting opening night down at South Dade High School as our Panthers were eager to see how they stacked up against an opponent after many grueling scrimmages.

The Panthers were the home team against a very formidable, free swinging South Miami squad. The Cobras took a first half inning, two-run lead but the Panthers quickly tied the game in the bottom of the first when Max Halasz hit a big two-out two-run double. After a Brian Roache walk in the second, David Lee came up with another big two-out hit that drove in another run to make it a 3-2 game after two innings of play. What looked to possibly be a high scoring game, quickly reverted back to a mainstay of Panther baseball...pitching! After losing THE best pitcher in Dade County the last two years in Casey Delgado, there had to be some concern with who would pick up the slack. Well, Coach Smith may have out done himself this time as he has developed what arguably could be five number one starters for most any other squad....and on this night four of them would shine!

Adam Sargent settled down after giving up one earned run in the first to shut down the Cobras for three innings and collect four strikeouts along the way. Next up was a very impressive Jacob Marchus who pitched two innings, giving up no earned runs and had three strikeouts. Then in comes our 2009 District Championship game winning pitcher, Jon Keebler, who faced only three batters.... threw 1 ball, 10 strikes and K’s 2 in one inning of work. After these impressive pitching performances the score was still tied, 3-3, after six complete, bringing in Michael Cetta - with big shoes to fill.

Well, he didn't disappoint and kept his side of the bargain by striking out the first two hitters he faced in the seventh. After a fly ball to left got lost in the lights and a single to left field, Michael struck out the next batter and gave the team a chance to win it in the bottom of the seventh. And win it they almost did as Danny Lynch worked a leadoff walk, was sacrificed to second by David Lee and advanced to third on a wild pitch to set things up. With the winning run at third base, freshman Riley Delgado hit a blistering line drive right to the second baseman to end the seventh, still tied 3-3.

Michael Cetta came back out for not only the eighth but the ninth as well, picking up four more strikeouts to make his total for the night, 7 K's and no runs in three innings of work. All that stellar pitching kept us in it until finally, in the ninth, the Panthers broke through. David Lee worked a one-out walk, stole second and advanced to third on a passed ball. Riley Delgado worked another walk, setting up Bones Delgado with a chance to end things....and boy did he end things!

On a cold night and the ball not travelling well, Bones smashed a deep fly ball over the left center field fence for a walk-off Home Run to give the Panthers an exciting opening night win!
More excitement to come....

Palmetto Panthers Video 2010

2010 Season Outlook
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Last year the Panthers won their third District 16-6A Championship and were eliminated from the State Tournament in the Regional Quarter-Final.

The Panthers return a solid pitching staff led by seniors Jon Keebler and Max Halasz. Keebler, a 6’5” RHP (5-3 last season), gave a glimpse of the future posting a 1-0 shut out win in the District 16-6A championship versus the steadily improving South Dade Bucs. Halasz, a crafty lefty, is healthy for the first time in a long time and looks to return to the form that allowed him to toss a no hitter through 6 innings versus Southridge in the Regional semi-final two years ago. Junior Mike Cetta is more than capable of handling his share of starts and will have opportunities to toe the pitchers plate. Additional contributors to the pitching staff include returning seniors Adam Sargent, Jacob Marchus, Chris Flores, and sophomore Brandon Kacer. Senior Brian Roache and junior Yale Sanford are solid behind the plate and are more than ready to handle a veteran staff or play multiple positions if needed.

Defensively the Panthers look to improve on last year’s inconsistent effort. Junior Dustin Delgado, a .350 clutch hitter a year ago, replaces All-Dade shortstop and current Penn State slugger, Lou Montesinos. Delgado and David Lee have shown promise as a double play combination as Lee, a senior, has locked down the job at second base. Senior Adam Pincus is showing promise at the plate and has improved defensively. Pincus will join a group of juniors battling to get into the lineup. The Panthers will rely on promising underclassmen during the 2010 campaign. Standout frosh Riley Delgado has shown mature baseball instincts and is a multi-position player. Sophomores Jake Molkinten and Todd Smith are speedy outfielders with the ability to consistently get on base. This year the Panthers have a blend of experience and unity that should carry them to the top of district 16-6A and their 5th consecutive state playoff appearance.

2009 Panthers Year End Video on You Tube
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five

2010 Palmetto Panther Baseball is Finally Here!
Wednesday, February 27, 2010

With the completion of tryouts last week, the Palmetto Panthers are eagerly awaiting the start of the 2010 baseball season.
The Panthers will kick off the season with the annual Blue & White Game at Panther Field on Saturday, February 6th, 10: 00 am at Coral Reef Park. The coaches and Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshman teams will be introduced and participate in an intra-squad scrimmage game. This is a great opportunity for fans to get an early look at the 2010 Panthers, returning players as well as the incoming freshmen and other new team members.
The day’s events include lunch (hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, etc., for a nominal fee), prize drawings, with a grand prize of $500.00 cash, and attendance by Palmetto High School administrators and staff, the cheerleaders, members of the Village of Palmetto Bay Council, and our own special guest announcer, “The Voice” of the Miami Heat, Mike Baiamonte. Plan now to enjoy the day at the park and support Panther Baseball.