MIAMI SHORES, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic took their first conference series win of the season with two wins against the Barry Buccaneers on Saturday afternoon. After a one run margin of victory in game one, the Sailfish exploded for 22 runs in a run-rule win in game two of the doubleheader.
The Sailfish look to build on the series win when they head to Lynn on Tuesday for a midweek game in Boca Raton. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
GAME ONE
Nolan Larson started the game for the 'Fish, pitching 4 1/3 innings while allowing four hits and one earned run, striking out one and walking two. Gavin Ingram pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief, giving up two hits and three runs, though only one was earned, with two walks. Jack Mischke closed the game effectively, securing the save in the ninth inning, striking out two and allowing just one hit. Lucas Chantres and Aidan McKee also contributed in relief, with Chantres allowing two earned runs in 1 1/3 innings and McKee yielding two earned runs in 2/3 of an inning.
Carter Parent led the offense with two home runs, driving in four runs and scoring three times. Santi Scheele contributed with two hits, including a double, and recorded one RBI. Aaron Vetter added speed on the bases, stealing two bases while also scoring twice. Steven Serna showcased power, hitting a home run and collecting two RBIs on three hits.
The 'Fish had built a substantial lead, largely due to Parent's offensive contributions. Additional support came from Serna, who homered in the fifth, extending the lead and capitalizing on Vetter's speed on the basepaths. The Bucs added two runs in the seventh and ninth innings but the Sailfish held on for the victory.
GAME TWO
The Sailfish amassed a season high of 21 hits, including six doubles and two home runs, while holding Barry to six runs on 12 hits. Additionally, the team achieved a season high of 22 runs and recorded an impressive 18 runs batted in during this offensive showcase. 22 runs is one short of the PBA DII Era record.
PBA secured the decisive victory through a series of relentless offensive performances, highlighted by a critical five-run third inning that set the tone. With Jake McNamara's RBI single and Patrick Rakes' double, the team capitalized on early scoring opportunities, extending its lead substantially. Finley Holmes' ground-rule double added two more runs, underscoring the offensive onslaught that proved too much for Barry to counter.
The 'Fish's aggressive approach continued in the fifth inning when McNamara delivered a crucial three-run homer, his first of the season, cementing PBA's commanding lead. Trey Miranda's speed was evident with a stolen base and a sacrifice bunt that set up additional scoring chances. Holmes also contributed significantly with a total of six RBIs, including a key RBI single in the seventh inning that concluded the scoring.
Despite Barry's attempts to respond, including a three-run rally in the fourth inning, the Sailfish's defense and consistent offensive pressure maintained the upper hand. Barry's miscues, including a pair of fielding errors, compounded its struggles against PBA's relentless attack.
Elijah Budiac pitched 6 innings, allowing 11 hits and 6 runs, but only 2 earned runs were charged to him. He threw 101 pitches, 68 of which were strikes, and recorded 1 strikeout and 1 walk. Zachary Orloff came in as relief in the 7th inning, pitching 1 inning with 1 hit and no runs allowed, striking out 1 batter without issuing any walks. Budiac now holds a record of 4-7 after this outing.
Holmes recorded six RBIs and added four hits in the game, showcasing his capabilities at the plate. Santi Scheele contributed significantly by scoring four runs and hitting his first home run of the season, while also collecting three hits. Rakes scored four runs and tallied two RBIs, further adding to the team's offensive efforts. McNamara drove in four runs and scored twice, including a home run, providing a solid performance.
