Gulf Coast Sails Past Pompano Beach

Jonathan Brunner pitched four scoreless innings.

The Gulf Coast Sharks came out Friday night with a strong pitching performance that helped them win 10-0 against the Pompano Beach Tornadoes. This was the first loss for the Tornadoes (1-1) who traveled across the alley to play against the Sharks. Sharks starter Jonathan Brunner threw four scoreless innings and was a key factor in the shutout victory.

“Brunner did his job tonight,” said Gulf Coast manager Pete Garcia. “He threw minimal pitches and tried to get batters to swing at the ball.”

The first inning was a quick one for the Tornadoes’ offense. Trevor Kniskern reached base with a single and moved into scoring position after a passed ball, but Brunner was able to get out of the inning unharmed.

The Sharks (2-0) then came out swinging, after leadoff batter McLean Harris got the offensive momentum started with a walk. He was moved into scoring position by a well placed bunt by Mason Dineson. A passed ball moved Harris over to third and a single by Brandon Drugan allowed him to score the first run of the game.

“I was just trying to get on base,” said Harris. “I worked the count as much as I could and kept fouling balls off.”

Drugan moved over to second after a botched fly ball hit by Tanner Ison and scored on a throwing error later in the inning. The Tornaodes starter Kniskern was then able to regain his composure and get two outs to end the inning.

Brunner pitched another quick inning in the second, getting his third strikeout.

Trevor Kniskern started the game for the Tornadoes and struck out three.

“I was working with my change-up,” said Brunner. “I was focused, and my curveball was my go-to pitch tonight.”

The Sharks were able to score again after Max Chidsley reached on an error. Kniskern struck out two in the inning and catcher Jeremy Davis threw out a stealing runner to end the frame.
More dominant pitching in the third didn’t allow the Tornadoes to find any offensive rhythm, while the Sharks added three runs to their lead. A double by Blake Roxberry brought in a run and a sac-fly by Julian Soto brought in another.

After a scoreless fourth the Tornadoes were able to get some hits. A double by Chase Costello started it off and after a walk and a hit batter the bases were loaded with two outs. Reliever Weston Boling showed good composure as he was able to get out of the inning without giving up a run after a routine fly ball was caught by center fielder Brandon Drugan.

In the bottom half of the inning the Sharks offensive kept on flowing. A triple by Ison got it started, and after a walk and an error, Chidsley came to the plate and tripled, giving him his second hit of the game. He later scored off a sac-fly to end the game.

“What I always tell the guys is that the greatest thing about baseball is that there is always tomorrow,” said Pompano manager Joe Giummule. “Fortunately for us we get to play right again tomorrow, and I’m excited about that.”

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