Island Coast Defeats Riverdale With Strong Pitching

Miguel Vidal drives in the first runs of the game.

The Island Coast Gators pitched their ace, David Mata, against the Riverdale Raiders on Monday night for the season opener and it paid of with a 7-2 victory.

The Gators threatened to score early in the first inning after two walks and a misplayed ball loaded the bases with two outs. A passed ball then gave the Gators a chance to score but some stellar defense by the Raiders allowed them to get out of the inning unharmed.

The Raiders came ready to hit in the second inning, as all three batters hit the ball hard. But some spectacular defensive plays prevented any runners from reaching base and instead turned it into a quick inning.

“We had a very strong defensive performance.” said Island Coast manager Clinton Montgomery.

The Gators displayed very strong pitching throughout the night by not allowing a single walk throughout all seven innings of play. The story of the night was Gators ace David Matta, who pitched six innings of dominant baseball. Matta retired the first seven batters of the night before giving up a hit, and he only gave up four hits and one earned one while he was on the mound.

“I just attacked with my fastball, and first pitch strikes were key,” said Mata.

The Gators were able to get on the board first in the top of third after a couple of patient at bats by Anthony Churlin and Felix Camacho. A throwing error then allowed the Gators to load the bases for their fourth batter Miguel Vidal. Vidal hit a hard ground ball past a diving third baseman, allowing two runs to score and giving the Gators the first lead of the night. Designated hitter Hank Owens followed with a bases-clearing double allowing two more runs to score.

Kyle Adorno on the mound for the Raiders.

“I was looking for something to hit and I got it,” said Owens. “Luckily I was able to put a good swing on it and drive it.”

The Raiders were finally able to get a hit against Mata in the third inning when Collin Azevedo hit a hard line-drive single into right field. He then stole second base on a 1-2 count to put himself in scoring position with one out. Azevedo advanced to third on a ball in the dirt and later scored on a passed ball, giving the Raiders their first run of the game.

The Gators were able to capitalize on Riverdale’s mistakes in the sixth inning allowing, them to score an additional three runs.

“We need to make less errors,” said Riverdale Manager Bob Pringle “We shot ourselves in the foot tonight.”

Strong defense and a patient offensive approach led to the Gators’ victory. Both teams are looking forward to a successful season in the weeks to come.

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