North Miami’s Eight-Run First Leads To A Shutout Win

When you hear about sports in relation to Dillard and North Miami High schools, you generally hear “great football teams.” On Tuesday night the baseball players had something to say as these two schools met on the diamond. The Panthers and Pioneers battled all night, before North Miami came away with an 8-0 win.

In the first at-bat for North Miami, Luis Ortega started things off with a two out single to right. After a couple walks and errors, Victor Sam came to the plate with the bases loaded.

“Coach just said wait on the ball and you’ll hit it to right, so I waited and did just that.” said Sam.

Knowing the pitcher had been throwing outside the strike zone, Sam figured the pitcher would try to get ahead early. On the first pitch of that at-bat, Sam drilled a bases clearing triple down the right-field line.

North Miami’s Ondra Jenkins started for the Pioneers and struck out nine batters. For his second straight start, Jenkins allowed no runs. Throwing five innings tonight, Jenkins has given the Pioneers a total of 11 shutout innings and contributed to his teams 2-1 start.

“I think I did pretty good today,” said Jenkins, “Even though I was kind of sick, I still tried to give it my all.”

He did just that. Throughout the game the Panthers would find their way on base, trying to get Jenkins to give up something. Regardless of the base runners, regardless of the situation, Jenkins was able to pitch his way out of any jam.

Although falling behind early, Dillard never gave up hope. While getting a good relief pitching effort, and base runners on nearly every inning, the Panthers were unable to capitalize on their offensive opportunities.

Helping the Panthers keep the game close throughout was senior Daniel York. York came in relief to throw 5.2 scoreless innings, as he struck out out 13 and allowed only two hits. Being a lefty showed it’s perks Tuesday, as York was able to hammer the outside of the plate. On the hitting side of his day, he went 1-for-2 with a walk and three stolen bases.

Staying strong and improving everyday, the Panthers both won and loss on Tuesday night according to Manager Daniel Lozinsky.

“I have positive kids, even though we lost 8-0 they took this as a learning experience, and luckily they took our advice and things like that,” said Lozinsky.

With a competitive district game against Coconut Creek coming up Friday, Lozinsky is hoping to look to his lefty York for another fine performance.

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