#2 Calvary Christian Holds off Tampa Catholic

Thursday night featured the #2 ranked team in the state in Calvary Christian hosting Tampa Catholic. The Warriors were led by Arkansas recruit Hunter Dietz on the mound. The 6-foot-6, 225 pound left-hander worked up to 90 mph in 5 innings of work. Dietz allowed 2 runs on just 1 hit while striking out 7.

Hunter Dietz ‘23 (FL) allowed just 1 hit over 5 IP tonight.

Physical 6’6, 225 lb southpaw worked FB/SL for swing/miss racking up 7 Ks.

Easy arm action. Starter profile.

FB: 88-90
SL: 77-80@RazorbackBSB recruit | #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/mpu3NRuam4

— Rocco Iervasi Jr. (@rocco_iervasi) February 24, 2023

On the other side, St. John’s River recruit Danny Lazaro started for Tampa Catholic. The lefty worked up to 87 mph with a tough slider. He pitched 3 innings allowing 4 runs with 2 strikeouts.

Calvary got on the board early in the first. Pittsburgh commit Andrew Tess led things off with a single. A few batters later, Florida recruit Liam Peterson would hit a backside double to drive in Tess.

Liam Peterson ‘23 (FL) gets the scoring started here tonight with a backside RBI double.

Strength on the mound translates to the swing. @GatorsBB recruit@Calvary_BB pic.twitter.com/vwN3gJlUmM

— PBR Florida (@PBRFlorida) February 24, 2023

In the second, Tampa Catholic led things off with a walk. With a man on, freshman Cole Bitman jumped on a fastball from Dietz and drove it out of left field for a two-run homer. Giving Tampa Catholic a 2-1 lead.

Cole Bitman ‘26 (FL) jumps on a heater for a 2-Run HR to left.

Athletic freshman with a lot of tools to like. Steps up in a big spot.

2-1 Tampa Catholic@TCBASEBALL_27 pic.twitter.com/PJsxXkjy22

— Rocco Iervasi Jr. (@rocco_iervasi) February 24, 2023

Calvary was able to take back the lead in the 3rd. Singles by Liam Peterson and Justin Mayes and a Blake Opie walk would load the bases for Calvary. A balk by Lazaro tied things up at 2-2. With 2 men on and 2 outs, JT Long comes up with a clutch 2-RBI single to give Calvary a 4-2 lead.

JT Long ‘23 (FL) gives Calvary back the lead with a 2-run single to right.

Calvary up 4-2 heading to the 4th.@Calvary_BB pic.twitter.com/GfB733KNzi

— PBR Florida (@PBRFlorida) February 24, 2023

In relief for Tampa Catholic, Roman Corinti, Lucas Cinnante, and Vito Arena combined for 3 shutout innings. They each battled with runners on but kept Calvary off the scoreboard.

Up 4-2 in the 6th, Calvary brought in NC State recruit Landen Maroudis out of the bullpen. The right-hander was up to 95 mph and worked 2 shutout innings, striking out 3.

Landen Maroudis ‘23 (FL) comes out the pen throwing ?

6’3, 195 lb right-hander looks noticeably stronger.

FB up to 95 with run. Tight low 80’s SL.

FB: 93-95
SL: 80-83
CH: 85@NCStateBaseball recruit | #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/pShPFIJHw4

— Rocco Iervasi Jr. (@rocco_iervasi) February 24, 2023

#2 Calvary Christian would hold off Tampa Catholic and win 4-2.