A six-run explosion in the top of the second inning catapulted Calvary Christian to a 9-4 victory over Tampa Catholic to clinch the No. 2 seed in the upcoming 4A District 4 Tournament.
The Warriors sweep the season series over the Crusaders, with both victories coming behind the arm of Collin Booten. Booten pitched a 5-hit shutout in the first meeting and held the Crusaders to two earned runs over five innings in the rematch.
USF commit Graham Hoffman blasted a three-run home run over the left field wall and Marco Benedettini went 3-for-4 and scored two runs to lead the way offensively. Every Warrior in the starting lineup reached base at least once, and Booten even helped his own cause with a successful squeeze bunt in the second.
Tampa Catholic was undone by five errors, which led to four unearned runs. Florida State commit Conor Grady was impressive in relief, allowing one run in three innings and hitting 91 mph on the radar gun. Miami commit Jordan Lala scored the Crusaders first two runs of the night and finished 2-for-3 with two doubles.
The Crusaders (10-11, 5-5 in 4A-4) will look to bounce back vs. longtime rival Jesuit on the road on Friday. Calvary Christian (14-6, 6-2) continues their district schedule on Friday vs. CCC and also will face off with #1 seed Berkeley Prep next week.
Click on the video link for highlights and analysis.