Venice Blanks Fort Myers 3-0 In 7A-11 Semifinal

A combined shutout from Caleb Williams and Brent Killam, coupled with a big second inning, lifted host Venice to a 3-0 victory over Fort Myers in a 7A-11 semifinal Tuesday night. The Indians earned the right to host the district championship on Friday night, as well as giving Venice (21-5) a berth into the regional playoffs that begin next week.

Williams tossed five shutout innings, managing to work out of trouble after allowing three hits and four walks to keep any runners from scoring. He recorded eight strikeouts, and Killam picked up four more in his two frames that finished it off.

The defending 6A state champions scored all of their runs in the second to back their pitcher’s efforts. Mitch Donofrio drew a lead-off walk and moved to second thanks to a sacrifice bunt from Shane Shifflett. Joe Kinker then pushed Donofrio home with an RBI double for the first run of the night and all the run support they needed. Rylee Buckmaster followed suit with an RBI double to center field and came home himself when Tyler Gardner reached on an error.

Jason Schumbacker went the distance for the Green Wave (8-17), delivering a quality start in the tough-luck loss. The junior allowed five hits and two walks and struck out two.

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