Killian Wins Southpaw Showdown At Florida Christian

Fans came out in masses to see the Killian Cougars face off against the Florida Christian Patriots on Saturday night. In the end, it was the raucous Killian fans who got to celebrate the smooth, well-pitched, defensive battle.

Both pitchers were dominant and defenses flawless, but it was the Cougars who ultimately held Florida Christian scoreless and did what they had to do at the plate to get the one necessary run on the scoreboard.

That run came in the second inning. Eric Molina doubled to left center for Killian. Two batters later, Danny Andrade doubled, and Molina came in to score what turned out to be the only run of the game.

The run also would be the only blemish on a great outing for Florida Christian pitcher Chris Pelaez. He went the distance, pitching seven innings, striking out nine and allowing four hits.

“He’s a bulldog,” Florida Christian coach Ernie Padron said. “I came out onto the mound in the sixth to take him out, and he wasn’t even listening to what I was saying. He told me to leave him in like four times, and I believed in him.”

Pelaez’s confidence showed as he consistently located curve balls, change-ups and fastballs all over the strike zone. Unfortunately for Florida Christian, the same could be said for Killian pitcher, and game winner, Andrew J.C. Fuente.

“Andrew Fuente has ‘it,'” Killian coach Angel Herrera said. “He’s just a winner. He’s got the moxie. He can locate all three of his pitches.”

Fuente shut down the Patriots’ offense and his team’s defense had his back, too. In a crucial sixth inning play, shortstop Mandy Alvarez, a future FIU Golden Panther, made a diving stop to put a halt to Florida Christian attempt to come back.

Florida Christian didn’t slack on defense either as third baseman Brandon Canizares made two extraordinary diving stops at crucial times in the game.

There was a brief tussle at first base as things started to get physical in the sixth inning. It died down quick, but the incident added to the growing tension of the evening.

In the top of the seventh, Killian pinch-hitter Gil Polanco tried to take Pelaez out of the game by starting a rally with a single to right.

Killian brought in closer Mike Perez, and though the Patriots knocked on the door, loading the bases, the middle infield cleaned up the mess and the team walked off the field victorious.

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