Miami Springs’ Run Ends In 3A State Semifinals

3A State Semifinal Photo Gallery

3A State Semifinal Press Conference: Miami Springs

Revenge is one of the top motivating tools when it comes to high school baseball. Year after year, when top teams meet, the results of previous years is a highly motivating factor. And when that result was a state championship game loss, it can be assured that the losing team will have a long memory.

That was in play on Wednesday, when defending 3A champion Miami Springs Golden Hawks, squared off in a state semifinal against the team they defeated for that title, South Walton.

Even though the Hawks graduated 14 seniors off that state title team, and had a change at the top, with former assistant Corey Estrada taking over the program, Wednesday’s game still had the feel of some unfinished business for the Seahawks.

With their ace Coleman Borthwick on the mound, South Walton got their revenge, with a 6-2 semifinal win, eliminating the Hawks, and ensuring there will be a new 3A champion in 2026.

Despite the loss, Estrada kept perspective on the season the Hawks had.

“To graduate 14 seniors from last year’s team, and find yourself back in the state final four, I couldn’t be prouder of how this team came together,” said Estrada.

Springs battled all game long against what has been one of the top pitchers in the state. The Hawks offense had eight hits, but could not come up with the big hit to break through on the scoreboard.

“They weren’t the best hitting team I faced all year, but as far as making me work, they were the best.,” said Borthwick. “They were fouling off some really good pitches, and worked my pitch count up early. I give them credit for how they worked their at-bats today.”

After coming out the gates stromg in 2026, the Hawks went through a midseason slump, where they went 2-7-1. That led to doubts that the team could make it back to Fort Myers to defend their title. But they caught fire at the right time at the end of the year, and cruised through the playoffs, going 7-1 between the district and regional tournaments.

“We always believed in what we were capable of, and after that mdiseason slump, we were able to get our feet back under us, and really played well come playoff time,” said Estrada.

Despite the loss, Miami Springs completed the best two-year run in school history, going 47-15, with a state title and a final four appearance.

“There is no douibt that the team that came before us set the standard and foundation, and we wanted to just continue from that success,” said Estrada. “We did not change too much from the structure that was here before, and our coaches and players have worked hard this season. You are never happy with consolation prizes, but this team came together, and I am proud of home they competed throughout the year, and today.”

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