‘Magic in the air': Belen baseball team rides momentum into Region 4-4A finals
Sometimes baseball teams navigate through a rough season with the belief things will click at the perfect time.
Just ask Belen Jesuit.
The Wolverines have hovered around the .500 mark the entire season, reaching it again on Thursday night.
But Belen could care less what the record looks like.
The goal was always to play in May.
The Wolverines won in May impressively on Thursday night, securing a series-clinching 2-0 victory over Merritt Island in the third game of their Region 4-4A semifinal series at Belen Jesuit.
'There's really no words to say other than 'there's some magic in the air,'' an emotional Belen coach Jesse Fernandez said. 'It's been up and down all year for these kids. But if you want to watch a team that plays with heart, doesn't give up, come watch the Belen Wolverines. They're something special to watch.'
The Wolverines (16-16) advanced to the regional final for the first time since 2017 and will face American Heritage in Plantation in a best-of-3 series beginning at Heritage on Monday at 7. Game 2 would be Tuesday at Heritage at 7. Game 3, if necessary, would be at Belen at 6.
The Wolverines will attempt to advance to the state final four for the first time since 2016.
'You go through a whole season and you keep preaching 'play for May' and it's May now and here we are,' Fernandez said. 'I'm excited to get to American Heritage, it's going to be a dogfight.'
Belen lost to Heritage 11-0 on March 4 at home. But the Wolverines have since gone through a tough slate that includes wins over regional final-qualifying teams like Mater Academy and Miami Springs.
'Every single one of those teams we faced tested us and we got here because of that competition,' Fernandez said. 'It's been awesome.'
Junior right-handed pitcher Victor Escobar came up huge on the mound, tossing a three-hitter while striking out three and walking three to lead Belen.
'This is where guys make their moment and I couldn't be happier for Vic,' Fernandez said. 'He carried us on his back and did what we needed him to do.'
Escobar gave up a pair of doubles, but worked himself out of trouble each time.
'I felt great. A lot of emotions in a big game, but I felt loose,' Escobar said. 'For the first few innings, I was trying to find myself, but once I got to the fifth, I felt like I was rolling. I just threw fastballs and attacked. I took a few breaths and kept attacking.'
Sophomore Jose Batista went 2-for-3 and gave Belen a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI single that scored Andres Gross. Batista then led off the fourth with a double and came around to score on an error and a hit by David Del Pino.
The Wolverines have been resilient so far in the playoffs, winning games on the road at Melbourne Eau Gallie to win their regional quarterfinal series in three games and this week, winning a game at Merritt Island (24-8) to stretch the series to a third game at home.
'We're just coming together for one common goal to win every pitch and every game and yeah, there's definitely something going on here,' Escobar said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Savion Hiter dons Michigan uniform with Bryce Underwood in stunning recruiting photo shoot
Michigan football rolled out the maize and blue carpet for prospects who made their way to Ann Arbor this past weekend, especially with the Wolverines hosting arguably their top overall target. It hasn't been a secret that the run-first Wolverines strongly covet 2026 Mineral (Virginia) Louisa County five-star running back Savion Hiter, who has reciprocated that interest since position coach Tony Alford jumped ship from Ohio State to the maize and blue. Hiter has been on campus several times, but this weekend marked his pivotal official visit. Michigan was able to pull no punches, showing him everything he needs to know should he decide to wear a winged helmet. Advertisement Michigan does a photo shoot with every recruit it brings in. For Hiter, however, the Wolverines had the 2025 No. 1 overall recruit, five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, pose with Hiter: handing the ball off to him as would be the case if Hiter signs with the Wolverines. They also made a video that emulates what would be posted by the team on signing day if he enters the fray. Hiter posted both on Monday. Hiter is the No. 17 overall prospect on the 247Sports composite. He also is strongly considering Tennessee, Ohio State and Georgia. Ann Arbor was his penultimate visit. A trip to Knoxville takes place this weekend. The Vols are considered the primary competition to Michigan for Hiter's services. This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Savion Hiter and Bryce Underwood star in Michigan's recruiting vision
Indianapolis Star
6 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
Valparaiso vs Evansville North in Class 4A baseball state championship
HIGH SCHOOL Grace Smith/IndyStar Grace Smith/IndyStar Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso fans cheer Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Nathan Simpson (6) celebrates Saturday, June 21, 2025, after the team won the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Grace Smith/IndyStar Evansville North holds the second plate trophy Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans lose a shoe on the field Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso and Evansville North face off Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Valparaiso Trent Gill (2) dives into home plate Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Caden Crowell (7) hoists the trophy Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans watch the action Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Evansville North infielder Jake Wilke (11) throws the ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar A fan celebrates grabbing a foul ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Matthew Civanich (8) runs toward first as Evansville North Conner Watson (17) attempts to catch the ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Evansville North infielder Gideon Rice (12) smiles toward the crowd Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar A bird sits on the netting rope Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Dennis Malloy (10) celebrates Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Trent Gill (2) celebrates in the dugout Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso and Evansville North face off Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Trevor Fenters (12) smiles in the dugout Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar A Valparaiso fan cheers Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso infielder Drayden Wilcox (9) hits the ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso celebrates Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Caden Crowell (7) hoists the trophy Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Evansville North Tyler Land (2) throws the ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans watch the action Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso cheers on their teammate Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Evansville North AJ Baggett (27) catches the ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar
San Francisco Chronicle
8 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Anderson's 3-hitter against Coastal Carolina in CWS finals opener puts LSU 1 win away from title
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Kade Anderson pitched a three-hitter in his second straight dominant start, and LSU moved within a win of its second national championship in three years with a 1-0 victory over Coastal Carolina in Game 1 of the College World Series finals Saturday night. The Chanticleers (56-12) lost for the first time in 27 games and must win Sunday to force a third and deciding game Monday night. LSU (52-15) made Steve Milam's RBI single in the first inning stand up with Anderson getting stronger as the game progressed against a Coastal Carolina team that had won its first three CWS games by a combined 24-9. The lefty, a projected top-three pick in next month's MLB amateur draft, was just as good as he was in LSU's CWS opener against Arkansas last weekend. He has allowed one run and six hits and struck out 17 in 16 innings in Omaha. Against the Chanticleers he struck out 10, but he had to deal with traffic on the basepaths after issuing three of his five walks in the first two innings and hitting two batters. He was up to the challenge. The Chanticleers were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position. Anderson (12-1) walked pinch-hitter Domenico Tozzi with two outs in the ninth, prompting a mound visit from pitching coach Nate Yeskie. Anderson then got Wells Sykes to fly out to end the game. Anderson and catcher Luis Hernandez embraced, and then their teammates mobbed them behind the mound. Anderson worked around two walks in the first inning, got out of the third when Sebastian Alexander was caught stealing third base, and he struck out three in a row after Blagen Pado's double leading off the fourth. After he gave up LSU's early run, Coastal Carolina's Cameron Flukey (8-2) matched zeroes with Anderson from the second to sixth inning. Flukey limited the Tigers to four hits, walked two and struck out nine before turning the ball over to Dominick Carbone to start the seventh. The Tigers are 16-0 when they have a lead at any point when Anderson is pitching. It was Anderson's second shutout of the season. They'll try to lock up their eighth national title Sunday. Coastal Carolina won the national title in its first trip to Omaha in 2016 and is seeking to become the fifth school to win the title in each of its first two trips to the CWS, but the first since Michigan in 1962.
