Southwest Falls Short In HSBN March Madness Final

J.C. Hernandez homered, doubled, scored three runs and drove in two more while Westminster Academy reliever Ryan Dejnak threw three hitless innings to preserve the Lions’ 9-4 upset win over Miami-Dade #3 Southwest in the HSBN Spring Break title game on Thursday.

“Thank you to the High School Baseball Network for putting together a nice local event to allow more high school baseball,” said Westminster Academy manager Ernie Gonzalez. “The staff is always very organized and flexible with all the conflicts always taking place down here in South, Fl. Both teams were happy to get their final championship game in and play some more baseball.”

Hernandez broke a 4-4 tie with a lead-off home run in the fifth inning to give the Lions the lead for good after blowing a 4-0 advantage. He scored again in a big 4-run seventh inning that put the game out of reach.

That’s because Dejnak was unhittable over the last three innings on the mound. The freshman struck out three and allowed just one baserunner, a walk, while the Lions rebuilt their lead.

“It was a great team win,” said Gonzalez. “We have been playing better and better since getting a good taste of reality early in the season. Our freshmen and rookies are starting to understand their roles and play more consistent.”

A four-run first inning gave the Lions an early cushion before the hosting Eagles battled back. Julian Irizarry and Luke Dennestedt delivered two hits apiece in the Lions’ 10-hit attack and Nico Ramos drove in two runs. Calvin Martin and Jesus Garcia each scored two runs.

“Our seniors and veterans are leading more both on and off the field,” Gonzalez said. “We don’t make excuses and fight all seven innings. There’s no quit in this baseball program.”

Southwest chipped away at the Lions’ lead with a run in the third and then tied it with a three-run fourth. Michael Cabrera started the rally with a single and later scored before Tyler Duarte doubled home a run and Joel Cabrera singled home Ajay Perez with the tying run on clutch two-out hits.

“Hats off to (Southwest manager) Mandy Paleaz and the solid and scrappy Southwest team he has,” Gonzalez said. “The are very disciplined at the plate and play great defense. They will go far this season.”

Duarte, Albert Bell and Michael Cabrera collected two hits each and Kevin Alonso drove in a run for the Eagles, who saw their six-game win streak snapped.

The 13-3 Eagles, winners in eight of their last 10 games, will host Coral Gables at 6 p.m. Friday.

Westminster Academy, now 11-5 after extending its winning streak to five games, and victorious in seven of its last eight, will host Archbishop McCarthy at 6 p.m. Friday.

“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” Gonzalez said. “We are not done. We still have some tough games ahead.”

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