- April 19, 2024
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The Seabreeze baseball team for the district championship Thursday.
BY MATT MENCARINI | SPORTS EDITOR
The Seabreeze offense had its coach dancing, as the team cruised to a big playoff win.
The Sandcrabs scored eight runs in the fourth inning on way to a 10-1 win over Deltona. It was an inning that saw 11 Seabreeze plate appearances, including the first six batters of the inning reaching base and scoring.
During the inning, the chants from the Deltona dugout, which were prevalent in the first three innings, lost their energy and Seabreeze coach Anthony Campanella’s excitement could hardly be contained.
The win put Seabreeze in the district championship against Edgewater, a team that beat Pine Ridge 10-0 Tuesday, setting up a title game 5 p.m. April 25, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, between the top-seeded teams.
“We came out a little bit nervous,” coach Campanella said. “Anthony (Campanella) didn’t have his best stuff (on the mound) and we had that little nervous energy.
“Once we settled in, the game just kind of slowed down for us and then we started getting a better approach at the plate, put the bat on the ball (and) made some nice plays defensively. I think we took care of business.”
Pitcher Anthony Campanella struggled early in the game, getting deep into counts and throwing two pitches by catcher Tyler Thomas in the first inning.
He gave up a leadoff double to start the game and hit the next batter. Before the top of the first ended, the Sandcrabs found themselves in a 1-0 hole. But Campanella was effectively wild, striking out five in the first three innings. He pitched a perfect fourth, fifth and sixth inning, on way to a complete game.
“As a coaching point, I don’t think he gets loose enough before the game,” coach Campanella said. “This is the third or fourth outing this has happened. ... We have to do a better job as coaches to make sure our pitches are prepared and ready to go when they hit the mound.”
Eddie McGarity got the first Seabreeze hit of the fourth inning. He ended the day 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Mason James was 2-for-2 with two runs, a walk and a stolen base.
“Eddie has been swinging a hot bat for us,” coach Campanella said. “Mason is a guy that’s coming on strong as of late. We just need production out of them.”
Seabreeze and Edgewater split their two matchups in the regular season, with the home team winning each time. The 3-2 Sandcrabs win was the only district loss for Edgewater, and came in an 11-inning game.
“We have to bring our A game,” coach Campanella said. “Our goal was to win a district championship, so we’re one step closer.”
Mainland season ends
The Mainland baseball team lost to Pine Ridge 4-0 April 23, in a game rescheduled from Monday due to rain.
Mainland ended the regular season with a 2-6 district record and hosted Pine Ridge in the district tournament’s play-in game.
