Kevin Serrano Steals the Show As Cobras Defeat Lightning

It could not be a better start to the season for South Miami and Dr. Krop. Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez, legendary figure in Cuban and Major League Baseball, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, while HSBN cameras broadcast the game live through it’s new YouTube channel, HSBN Live! for the first time ever. The game also was an HSBN Miami-Dade Game of the Week.

HSBN Live! Watch Recorded Broadcast of Game of the Week

Kevin Serrano took the mound at South Miami High School and pitched a masterpiece, leading his team to a 10-0 victory over Dr Krop.

Combining his fastball with an effective breaking ball, Serrano cruised, throwing 65 pitches over five complete innings, while allowing only a hit and a walk in the outing.

Serrano also shined with the bat in his hands, going 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs.

“I did not realize I was throwing a no-hitter in the fourth, because I was just trying to be focused, trying to win the game and throwing strikes,” said Serrano.

The Cobras starter knew how important it was to get the season off to a good start.

“It is pretty good, amazing, but you know our momentum was high,” he said. “Everybody here is just focused on winning and this game is going to help us a lot in the long run.”

The Cobras scored early, with a rally of four run in the second inning. Khaya Wright started the party with a double to right and three batters later, the Cobras scored their first run thanks to a squeeze play by Kevin Lopez.

Lead-off hitter Denniel Muñoz then connected on a deep line drive to left field but outfielder Cameron Miller made a phenomenal catch over his shoulder, to steal a double from Muñoz.

However, the Cobras scored three more in the inning, thanks to a bases loaded walk to the imposing Yassel Pino, and a 2-run single from clean-up hitter Steven Medina.

Dr Krop Lightning ace Luis Pacheco, who had an excellent campaign in 2018, did not have it as easy on this afternoon.

“In the last preseason game, we did not score a single run in seven innings and today no runs in six, so that’s 13 innings without scoring a run,” said Lighting Manager Paul Barrios. “Our pitching is solid. Luckily it’s not how you start but how you finish the season.”

Lightning catcher Giovanni Rojas agreed.

“Our defense wasn’t good today,” said Rojas. “Luis didn’t have a bad game, he just had a bad inning and we’ll work on that and get better.”

Another offensive rally would come from the Cobras in the fifth inning agains pitcher Ethan Sklar. A defensive error, an RBI single by Serrano, a 2-run double by Pino, and an RBI single by Medina would be the dagger for the Lighting.

“It feels great to start with a W. That’s very important in giving confidence to the kids,” said Cobras Manager Howard Cuervo. “This is a huge game for us.”

These teams coincidentally had already played each other on Opening Day last season, also an HSBN Miami Game of the Week. South Miami won last year’s game 8-3 on the road.

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