K-Rod’s Two-Run Go-Ahead Double Powers Ferguson Over Coral Gables

Kevin Rodriguez hit the go-ahead double in the fifth inning and Alan Saumell shut down the Cavaliers in the final frame for the save as the Ferguson Falcons defeated Coral Gables 7-5 on Wednesday night in preseason action.

Ferguson coach Jose Novas was happy with the outcome, but, for once, winning wasn’t his main objective.

“We wanted to get a lot of guys in, get the butterflies out of their system,” Novas said. “We have a lot of guys coming back, but there are some new faces. I definitely wanted to get them in, get them some real game experience.”

Novas instead got a glimpse of greatness to come, with the reigning district champs coming back from two separate two-run deficits for the win.

“I was impressed with the fact that we answered back from being down 2-0, then again from being down 4-2,” Gables coach Phillip Wisser said. “We never let them get too much momentum.”

The Falcons fell behind early on when a series of errors in the top of third inning put them in a 2-0 hole. Ferguson answered back in the bottom of the frame, walking in a run on Gables starter Dillan Maya then getting a sac fly off the bat of Jose Brito to tie the game.

That lead would be short-lived however, with Gables going back up in the top in the fourth off a hit-by-pitch that walked in a run and a sac fly that made it 4-2. That despite the Cavaliers playing without several of their best players.

“We’re dealing with a slew of injuries right now,” Wisser said. “Our starting pitcher today (Maya) is dealing with a knee issue he’s coming back from. We’re also missing our left and right fielders, and our biggest hitter on the squad has some stitches on his hand, so he is going to miss the preseason.”

The Falcons did have their best hitter, however, and he came through for them big time. K-Rod, as he affectionately referred to by fans and teammates, hit the first of two huge doubles to start a rally in the bottom of the fourth.

After Alfred Rodriguez tied the game with a deep drive to left field, K-Rod added his second double on a bases-loaded at-bat that would provide the final margin.

“I was just looking for the right pitch,” K-Rod said. “Coach tells us to be patient at the plate, wait for a pitch we can drive.”

The Cavaliers could have themselves used some patience after striking out 12 times against Saumell and starter Brandon Valentin, who would cough up four runs in five innings.

“There is no way we will win many games striking out 12 times,” Wisser said. “I guess it’s early season jitters, some of our players are anxious. We will have to work on that to stay competitive in a tough district.”

The Cavs will play Coral Park and the Falcons take on Southridge on Thursday. Gables starts its regular season at South Miami on Monday. Ferguson takes on the Buccaneers in the Battle Down South Tournament at South Dade on Tuesday.

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