Cruz Walk-Off Homer Caps Archbishop Carroll’s Strong Start

Written by Staff on February 24th, 2024

Last season, Archbishop Carroll was in its first year under new Manager Steven Suarez, and the Bulldogs took a lot of lumps, finishing the season with just three wins.

Fast-forward a year later, and in just that short period of time, AC looks to have turned the corner.

On Friday the Bulldogs capped off an impressive 2-1 first week of the regular season in thrilling fashion, defeating Downtown Doral 8-5, on Justin Cruz’ walk-off three run home run in the bottom of the seventh.

“It’s a great win for my boys. It’s a great win for this program,” said Suarez. “We already have almost as many wins as last year, and we are only in the first week. It is great to see we are getting better and putting it all together little by little.”

Of their wins this week, Friday’s came with the most drama. It started out as a pitcher’s duel between the Dolphins Fernando Quinones and Jonathan Diaz, who relieved Nicoloas Carillo in the second inning. Quinones went six innings, without giving up an earned run, while Diaz threw 5.1, striking out nine.

Downtown Doral had the lead, scoring runs in the first and third innings, with Pablo Contreras scoring on an error in the first, and Hector Perez coming in on a wild pitch in the third.

The Bulldogs finally broke through with a run in the fourth, but the fifth inning was where they took their first lead. An error allowed the game to be tied, and then back to back RBI walks from Samuel Oliva and Gustavo Ulpino, making it 4-3.

The score remained that way until the top of the seventh. With two outs, and runners on first and second, Jean Franco Moreno came through with an RBI single to tie the game. Angel Velez then doubled to left field, putting Doral back on top.

“They had some really big hits, and that was a great rally they put together in the top of the seventh to take the lead,” said Suarez.

In their half of the seventh, Oliva singled to lead off the inning. A perfectly executed sacrifice bunt by Ulpino moved Oliva to second, and when Javier Alvarez singled to left, the game was once again tied.

“Our kids did a great job of battling back,” said Suarez.

After a walk and a strikeout, the stage was set for Cruz. After working the county to 2-1, Cruz launched a three-run home run to right field, sending the home team into celebration mode.

“Just a big at-bat from Justin there at the end,” said Suarez. “I give both teams credit, they fought all day. It was a great game, and the finish was exciting for our boys this early in the year,” Suarez said.

The win, coupled with a win over Mater Bay on Thursday, will send the Bulldogs into next week with a 2-1 record. They will be challenged on Monday, as they host defending 2A state final four representative Westminster Academy.

For Downtown Doral, the loss capped a tough first week, but they will have a chance to right the ship next week, with road games against Keys Gate Charter and iMater, and a home battle with Marathon.