Brito Season Ends In State Semifinals Loss

The Brito Panthers season came to an end on Wednesday afternoon in a 2-0, state semifinals loss to St. John’s Country Day.

It was a frustrating afternoon for the Panthers, who gave up two runs in the first inning, and then threatened all game, but could never come up with the big hit to break through in the semifinal loss.

Early on in the game, it became apparent that the Panthers would have to deal with an unconventional strike zone from the home plate umpire, and the low strike zone appeared to fluster Brito hitters.

“Our guys fought all afternoon, and we didn’t get any breaks from the umps today,” said Brito Assistant Jose Orta. “When you get to this stage of the playoffs, you need some things to go your way, and today, that didn’t happen for us.”

In addition to the consistently low strike zone, the Panthers took issue when a batter was hit by a pitch that was up and in, but the home plate umpire ruled that the batter leaned into the pitch. Instead of first and second and one out, Brito ended the inning with a strikeout.

In the seventh, Brito again appeared to have some life, when freshman Luis Diaz reached on an infield single, and when the throw went wide of first, Diaz turned for second. He then scurried back to first, and was called out on a close play.

There appeared to be interference on the play, however, the call stood, and after Raivon Pinder doubled, Luis Amariz lined a shot down the first baseline, that Gabriel Gilliand snagged, ending the Brito comeback hopes.

Despite the loss, the Panthers have a lot to reflect on and be proud of from the 2025 season.

When Brito entered the playoffs, they were on a six game losing streak, and held a 7-14 record. The team then caught fire, winning eight straight playoff games, including a district and regional championship. A remarkable turnaround, but one that makes sense for a team with only five seniors.

“We did a lot of growing up this year, and the future is bright,” said Orta. “We only have five seniors, and our young guys got a lot of experience this season. We are proud of the way they played late in the season, and look forward to what the future holds.”

As for Wednesday’s loss, Orta was pleased with the way his team handled the adversity.

“The breaks didn’t go our way, but this team did what they have done all year. They showed a lot of heart, and kept battling right until the end. There was no quit in them. We just couldn’t get that big hit when we needed it.”

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