Goleman Opens Adidas Tournament With Win Over Coral Reef

Speaking at HSBN Media Day, several of the Goleman Gators players expressed the idea that this was going to be the Gators year. With 11 seniors on the 2024 squad, the Gators and their fans are hoping this is the year they break through and make a state appearance.

On Monday evening, Goleman sent notice to the rest of 7A that they mean business. William Falcon worked around 12 base-runners in six innings of work, allowing no earned runs, and Goleman cruised to an 11-1 win over fellow 7A rival Coral Reef in the opening game of the Florida Christian Adidas tournament.

“Big time performance by Willie today,” said Gators Assistant Lesmy Palomino. “It was a great way for us to start off the tournament, and Willie did a great job of being the catalyst for getting us going. He really set the tone for us today.”

While Falcon was doing his thing on the mound, the offense made sure they did their part as well, scoring two runs in the first, third, and fourth innings, and then delivering the knockout blow with four runs in the sixth.

Daniel Nunez led the way for the Gators, going 1-3, with three RBIs. Maykoll Alvarez added two RBIs, while Chris Palomino, Angel Rodriguez, and Daniel Nunez all had RBIs. On the basepaths, Adam Perez and Palomino each had three stolen bases.

“We had great offensive production today,” said Palomino. “Right from our first at-bat when Christopher (Palomino) led off with a walk, our offense was able to put Coral Reef on their heels early, and then we were able to keep adding runs throughout the game. We kept the pressure on with eight stolen bases, and it was a strong offensive performance all around.”

On the other side, Coral Reef did get a strong performance from Jesse Yngber, who went 2-3, with a walk.

The Barracudas came into the game riding the high of a first week in which they defeated Hialeah, and tied Coral Park. The undefeated record was put to the test against Goleman, who had lost their first game last week 7-3 to Dade Christian.

The tournament does not get any easier for the Barracudas, as they are set to face traditional powerhouse Belen Jesuit on Thursday, and tournament host Florida Christian Saturday night.

For the Gators, the path to a tourney championship gets more difficult on Wednesday, when they face Mater Lakes Academy. The Bears opened their season last week in the HSBN First Pitch Elite tournament, and offers up one of the most talented rosters in Miami this year.

Goleman will they play another traditional Miami power in Brito on Saturday afternoon.

“It was a good start to the tournament for us,” said palomino. “Hopefully we can keep playing good baseball throughout the rest of the week.”

Leave a comment using your facebook account!