Sunset Picks Up Signature Win Over Braddock

Back in 2023, in just Manager Julio Mendoza’s second season with Miami Sunset, the Knights shocked everyone and made a run all the way to the state semifinals, where they lost a thrilling game to eventual state champion North Marion.

After a decent season in 2024, and a down year in 2025, many questioned what the 2026 version of the Knights would look like.

On Friday afternoon, Sunset took another early season step towards showing that they are again ready to compete for a state title.

Sunset scored six runs in the first three innings, then held on late, to defeat Braddock, another team with state title hopes, 9-6.

“It is always a tough neighborhood rivalry when we get together with Braddock,” said Knights Manager Julio Mendoza. “Today was a strong win for our program, and I am happy with how the team came out and performed.”

After getting the scoring started with two runs in the second, on an Ignacio Perez single, Sunset added a third run with a lead-off home run from Yanker Salas.

Carlos Sanchez followed with an RBI single, and an infield error brought in the fifth run of the game for the Knights.

Starting pitcher Rodrigo Flores cruised through the first three innings, then gave up two runs in the fourth.

Sanchez then struck again with a two-run blast in the Knights half of the fourth, extending the lead to 8-2. Sanchez finished the day 3-for-4, with three RBIs.

The score stayed that way until the sixth, when the Bulldogs rallied for three runs. The comeback was highlighted by a Tyler Rodriguez RBI hit.

Reliever Diego Maldonado was able to then close the door with a 1-2-3 seventh, securing the 9-6 victory for the Knights.

“Sunset is never an easy place to play,” said Mendoza. “We have taken graet pride in defending our home field over the past four years, and today was another one of those days.”

The win improves Sunset to 4-2 on the young season. They started the year with two losses, but have since won four straight, and are starting to develop the type consistency needed to make a strong postseason run.

They have one of their toughest stretches of the season coming up, with road games at Miami Beach and South Miami, followed by a weekend trip to Key West. The Conchs are currently undefeated, and will serve as another test for how far the current version of the Knights can go.

As for Braddock, they won three of their first four games, and followed that with losing three of their past four. They will take a 3-3 record into a week that features games against Mater Lakes Academy, Coral Reef, and Riverview.

Leave a comment using your facebook account!