Entering Wednesday Apr. 22, the Wolves were 15-9 and had their eyes on a district title. But first they would have to win a crucial semi-final against Winter Park High School. Not only would the win advance them to the metro district championship, but it would clinch them a spot in the regional playoffs. A loss would end their season.
Coming into the game, many expected to see senior pitcher Andrew Perez on the mound to face the Wildcats with the season on the line. But instead coach Tim Beaman decided his other lefty would get the ball—junior pitcher Michael De’mo.
“De’mo has been great down the stretch of the season. I thought Perez gave us a chance late to close it out for us,” said coach Beaman.
De’mo proved to be a fine start by coach Beaman, throwing four and one third innings, striking out five, and allowing only two runs. Perez would pitch from the middle of the fifth inning on. The two put the Wolves in a great position to claim their spot in the title game.
The Wolves bats were silenced throughout, only getting four runners on base until the final inning. But with the pressure on and the season hanging in the balance, they got their bats going.
“Every time we play them they’ve come back in the seventh inning. I knew we were a better team, and if they could do it we could too,” said De’mo.
The rally started with a great at bat by senior Cameron Zook when he pinch hit for senior Joey Arce and drew a four-pitch walk. Zook was pinch ran for by sophomore Tomas Farkass. Then on a bunt by junior Nick Allen, the Wildcats committed an error throwing to first and allowed runners to advance. After an infield single by senior Davey Savetman loaded the bases, fellow senior Will Boggs hit a two RBI double that gave the Wolves a 3-2 lead.
The mistake led to a four-run seventh inning and a 5-2 win for the Wolves. Earlier in the season Winter Park was the team ready to take the win in the seventh. The Wolves lost twice to the Wildcats in 2015 despite leading heading into the last inning. But this time the Wolves were the ball club primed for a late comeback.
They officially clinched their spot in regional playoffs, and will play University High School for the district title on Friday Apr. 24.
“This team been great all season in the seventh. We’ve had three seventh inning comebacks. They just don’t quit. They play as a team instead of individuals and it’s been a pleasure to coach them,” said Beaman.
It was the quintessential team victory for the Wolves. Consistent pitching, great defense, and timely hitting is their trademark. And now that they have gotten over the hump beating Winter Park, they should have momentum heading into the regional playoffs.
