- December 5, 2025
Matanzas second baseman Brady Novack comes in to pitch in the fourth inning. Photo by Michele Meyers
Pirate Cainan Beazley takes a moment before the game against Mainland High School. Photo by Michele Meyers
Cainan Beazley with the hit in the season opener against Mainland. Photo by Michele Meyers
First baseman Benjamin Apfelbach calls for the ball after the outfield stops a drive by Mainland. Photo by Michele Meyers
First baseman Benjamin Apfelbach calls for the ball as Anthony Chirco attempts to run to second. Photo by Michele Meyers
Matanzas is safe at third after runner trips Mainland third baseman. Photo by Michele Meyers
Matanzas Pirate George Johnson with the hit. Photo by Michele Meyers
What do you mean, I'm out? Buccaneer Ty Moak questions the call as Matanzas players--Brady Novak and Gabriel Breckenridge watch the umpire. Photo by Michele Meyers
Pirate Alex Ortiz Oms is safe at home plate as Ty Moak attempts to tag him out. Photo by Michele Meyers
Matanzas head coach Jim Perry talks to his team after the season opener against Mainland Buccaneers. Photo by Michele Meyers
The Matanzas Pirates baseball team sent the Mainland Buccaneers packing after a 17-2 season opener victory on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
Freshman catcher Braden Russell and second baseman Brady Novack led the team with three runs each. Mainland’s pitcher Anthony Chirco and short stop Jonathan Campbell had one run each for the only Buccaneer points.
“You have to be optimistic. It doesn’t hurt to kick off the season this way but how does the mind of a 16 or 17 year old handle that. Gotta take it day-by-day, pitch-by-pitch and play-by-play.”
JIM PERRY, Matanzas head baseball coach
“Honestly, I thought we played very well,” Matanzas head coach Jim Perry said. “This cannot be a precursor to how the season is going to go if the players sit back on their laurels thinking this is going to happen every time.”
The Pirates are playing a short but long season packed with 22 games. Coaches are focused on a game-to-game strategy and hope for an injury-free season.
“You have to be optimistic,” Perry said. “It doesn’t hurt to kick off the season this way but how does the mind of a 16 or 17 year old handle that. Gotta take it day-by-day, pitch-by-pitch and play-by-play.”
Matanzas played the Atlantic High School Sharks Wednesday, Feb. 23.
