Belen Takes Down Rival Columbus On Its Turf

This game could not be stopped from happening.

Originally scheduled for Friday, the Belen Jesuit-Columbus matchup was switched multiple times because of rain and eventually decided for the cold Saturday night. This didn’t deter the hundreds of spectators from making it either. It helped that the Columbus café was serving hot chocolate and pan con lechon.

In the end, it was one swing that decided this matchup. Joey Rodriguez’s blast sailed over the right-field fence in the third inning, and the Wolverines didn’t look back in the 2-0 win.

Though only a preseason game, it was celebrated by Belen players and fans much the same way they rushed the field earlier in the week after a walk-off single against Westminster Christian.

They piggybacked on a four-inning shutout and three-inning save by Chris Solis and Danny Parets, respectively.

Belen coach Jerry Albert explained why his players were so elated upon taking down Columbus.

“It’s important for the kids because it’s such a traditional, community game,” Albert said. “These boys all grew up together, went to school together, and now they’re finally playing against each other under the lights.”

As was the story earlier in the week, strong pitching and stout defense defined the game. There were only six hits, two errors and two runs, but it also was a game of push and pull.

Belen loaded the bases with only one out in the fourth, but Columbus middle relief man Luis Collazo shut it down with three strikeouts. Columbus’ pitching staff struck out 10 batters as a unit.

Starter Mike Vinsen performed offensively as well. In the bottom of the fourth, he singled and advanced to third on a wild pitch and a walk.

With two outs, Vinsen took off for home on a passed ball, but Belen catcher (and Westminster walk-off hero) David Diaz-Fernandez played it expertly and delivered it to Belen starter Chris Solis for the putout.

Belen knocked on the door again in the fifth, only to be controlled by strong-armed righty Yencey Almonte.

Columbus’ strong defense also was noteworthy. Third baseman Lazaro Rivera made a diving stop on a liner in the second inning, and catcher Chris Perez gunned down a runner in same inning.

The game was a preview of the inaugural matchup at the new Marlins ballpark set for March 5. It certainly will be fitting that two storied programs that define Miami’s baseball character will christen the field.

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