South Dade Repeats As 7A-16 Champions

The rivalries down South run deep, and perhaps none run as deep as South Dade and Palmetto. The two storied programs have been battling for district and county supremacy for years, and Thursday night added another chapter to that storied rivalry.

The Buccaneers, behind a strong pitching performance from Brandon Roman and Mike Martinez, defeated the Panthers 4-1, capturing their second straight district title over Palmetto.

“We did a great job tonight of going into a hostile environment and playing great baseball,” said Bucs Manager Rich Benavides. “Palmetto was a very strong team this year, they played a very tough schedule, as did we, to get ready for this game, and we are happy that we came away with the victory.”

South Dade scored a run each in the second and third innings, and then added two more in the fifth to build a 4-0 lead. In the bottom of the fifth, the Panthers finally broke through with a run, but that would be all that they could generate against the two-headed monster of Roman and Martinez.

“Outstanding performance from Brandon tonight. After closing out the win last night against Ferguson, and then to give us four strong innings tonight, that was special,” said Benavides. “And then Martinez was just as good in his three innings. Great team win tonight.”

Over the past two years, the Bucs have had the Panthers number, winning three of the past four games. In 2023, the teams split, with Palmetto winning during the season, and the Bucs prevailing in the district championship.

This season, South Dade won both games between the two programs.

“It is always a good battle with Palmetto,” said Benavides. “The games are intense, and always played well. We have been fortunate to come out on top the past two years in the district final. Now, we have to get ready for regional play.”

Unless something unexpected happens with the state rankings when they are released later this week, it appears that both Palmetto and South Dade could be heading to regionals. South Dade is in, regardless, with their district title, and Palmetto will have to wait and see if they remain ranked in the top eight in 7A South region come the weekend.

“For Benavides, the win caps a challenging season personally.

“This whole season has kind of been surreal. I dedicated this season to my dad, who passed away, and to have a lot of family there tonight, was special for me. I am also coaching with two of my ex-players, who have put in a lot of time and work into this season. So it just was a really special night, and now, we are playing with house money next week in regionals. So we will see how the guys respond, and take our best shot.”

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