Doral Takes 2nd Place, Tourney MVP At IMG National Classic

The Doral Academy Firebirds showed their best stuff on the big stage this week at the IMG National Classic Spring Break tournament in Bradenton. Although the Firebirds fell 15-3 in the championship game to the IMG Academy Ascenders, they earned three quality wins to reach the finale against the nationally-ranked hosts.

Doral (17-3-1) advanced to the semifinals with two wins by a combined scored of 19-1 against the Palmetto Tigers and St. Laurence Vikings. The Firebirds then earned their spot in the finals with a 6-2 victory over T.C. Roberson, ranked 27th nationally.

“They did a great job defensively, and we did a great job with timely hitting,” Doral Manager Ralph Suarez said. “It would have been nice to have some pitching left to compete against IMG, but before that game we gave up three runs in three games.”

Senior Marcelo Rodriguez was named the Tournament MVP. The right-hander earned the win over T.C. Roberson, with seven strikeouts in four and-two-third innings.

Seniors Leandro Hernandez and Gabriel Milano also were named to the All-tournament Team. Hernandez was 2-for-7 and reached base four times in four games, with a three-RBI triple in the semifinal. Milano had his best stuff in the championship, clubbing two home runs to account for all of his team’s scoring. Overall he was just as impressive, going 6-for-10 with five runs and six RBI in four games.

Leave a comment using your facebook account!