Coral Gables Puts on a Clinic in Execution, Takes District Lead

Coral Gables’ Dillon Maya allowed just one hit in seven innings to hold the Goleman Gators scoreless Tuesday night in a 3-0 win that put Coral Gables in first place by a half game in 8A District 14.

“He was on,” Coral Gables coach Phillip Wisser said about Maya. “He was focused and he was driven, and he pitched the best I’ve seen.”

The Cavaliers improved their 8A District 14 record to 6-1-1 (11-5-1 overall), putting them in first by a half game ahead of the Gators who are now 6-2 in the district. Goleman beat Coral Gables earlier in the season, so that tie game could become very important in the seeding going into district play.

In the second Coral Gables put on a clinic in execution, skillfully manufacturing a run. Alex Pinero got things started with a bunt that was mishandled by the third baseman. Maya then strolled to first after being hit by a pitch. Pablo Rubio successfully advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt and Kelvin Nunez followed with a sacrifice fly to right field, bringing in Pinero for the first score of the game.

“The big thing was execution,” coach Wisser said. “We executed some big bunts and sacrifice flies, and that’s the way you score.”

Imad Reinoso singled in the fifth to give Coral Gables its third hit of the game. With one out left in the inning, Gerson Sotolongo struck a deep fly ball forcing the Goleman right-fielder to dance around before back peddling and misplaying the fly ball, bringing in Reinoso.

Meanwhile, Maya was putting together a gem on the mound, not giving up his first hit until the bottom of the fifth to Corey Garrastazu. Maya quickly got back on track, striking out two more batter to end the inning.

“I just felt strong and felt my stuff was on,” Maya said. “I trusted my defense and pitches. My curveball and change-up were on, and my fastball was working for me.”

Coral Gables’ Antonio Rodriguez walked to start the sixth. Pinero then singled to left field, putting Rodriguez in scoring position. Maya added to the lead, driving in Rodriguez with an RBI sacrifice fly.

The Cavaliers led going into the final inning, and Goleman needed to rally big to tie. But Maya forced a pop-up for the first out and struck out the next two batters again to end the inning. He ended the game with seven K’s and gave up just one hit.

“We came into this game wanting to get some revenge ” Wisser said. “They came into our place earlier and beat us, but today we got the breaks and got them back, it was just a well executed game for sure”.

Each team has two district games remaining. Coral Gables plays Miami Springs today at home and Goleman plays Reagan tomorrow at St. Thomas University.

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