St. Pete Times - April 30

The following is an excerpt from the St. Pete Times' Sports Section April 30:

2A-11 baseball: Shorecrest's dedication pays off in final

ST. PETERSBURG — A year ago, Shorecrest lost in the first round of district play. That precipitated a coming together of each player who would return this season, which was everyone, for almost daily workouts in the weight room or the baseball field in the offseason.

The result? A whipped-cream pie in the face from teammates to sophomore starting pitcher Mark Brakeman after Thursday's 10-3 win in the Class 2A, District 11 championship over rival Northside Christian.

Shorecrest turned a slim 2-1 lead in the third inning into a rout by scoring four runs in the third and four in the fourth. The substantial lead was plenty enough for Brakeman (5-1), who gave up three runs and five hits over five innings.

"We made a commitment after losing last year that we'd work as hard as possible to take our potential to the next level this year," Brakeman said. "We knew we had the talent to achieve something like this."

Playing in front of packed stands, host Shorecrest (19-8) took advantage of six walks and two hit batters, three of which came in the decisive third inning with two outs. After Jason Kiracofe kept the inning alive with a single, five more Chargers reached, highlighted by Brent Rasmussen's two-run single.

"We had a close game against them (in the teams' first meeting, a 2-0 win by Shorecrest) and we knew we had to score when we had the opportunities," said the Chargers' Andrew Roy, who went 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI. "Once we got the lead, we knew Mark would take care of business."

DISTRICT CHAMPS!!! Shorecrest vs Northside Christian

Thursday, April 29
Shorecrest 10, Northside Christian 3

The Chargers won the District Championship and will play Tuesday, May 4th at 4:00 pm at home to start off the Regional Tournament.

Jon O. led off the 2nd inning for the Chargers with a base on balls. Jason K. reached on an error and Andrew R. drove in a run with a base hit. Jake B. singled to drive in the 2nd run to give the Chargers a 2-0 lead. Northside Christian scored a run in the top of the 3rd inning to cut the lead to 2-1.

Jason K. singled with 2 outs in the bottom of the 3rd inning for the Chargers. Tyler L. was hit by a pitched ball. Andrew R. drove him in with a base hit. Jake B. walked and then John R. walked to force in a run. Brent R. singled to drive in 2 runs to make the score 6-1 in favor of the Chargers. Northside Christian scored a run in the top of the 4th inning to cut the lead to 6-2.

In the bottom of the 4th, Jon O. singled, Tyler L. walked and Andrew R. walked. Jake B. then singled to drive in 2 more runs. John R. also singled and drove in 2 runs to make the score 10-2. Northside Christian scored a run in the top of the 5th inning to make the final score 10-3.

Marc B. was the winning pitcher working 5 innings, allowing 1 earned run, 4 hits and 5 strikeouts. Tyler L. pitched the 6th and 7th innings allowing no hits.

Andrew R. made 2 great defensive plays in the infield and Tyler L. made an outstanding play at 2nd base.

Andrew R. was presented the game ball for being selected as the player of the game.

Leading hitters for the Chargers were:
Andrew R. with 2 hits, 2 runs score and 2 RBIs
Jake B. with 1 hit, 2 runs scored 3 RBIs
Brent R. with 2 hits and 2 RBIs
John R. with 1 hit and 3 RBIs
Jon O. with 1 hit and 2 runs scored
Jason K. with 1 hit and 2 runs scored
Spencer H. with 1 hit
Tyler L. with 2 runs scored

St. Pete Times - April 27

The following is an excerpt from the St. Pete Times' Sports Section, April 27:

ST. PETERSBURG — At his best, Tyler Larson throws three pitches.

Tuesday against Sarasota Out-of-Door Academy, he used them all with precision.

The Shorecrest senior confounded hitters, leaving them lunging and lurching at pitches that looked like one thing but were another.

Larson pitched a shutout, allowing three hits and striking out 10 in a 7-0 victory in the Class 2A, District 11 semifinals.

The Chargers (18-8), the top seed, will host Northside Christian in Thursday's championship game. The Mustangs, the No. 3 seed, beat No. 2 Bradenton St. Stephen's 3-2.

"I was just fired up because I'm a senior and I knew it was either win or go home," said Larson, who improved to 6-2. "This was probably my best performance of the year."

All three hits Larson allowed were singles and he didn't allow a runner to reach scoring position. He also was economical, throwing just 79 pitches.

"Tyler was extremely good with his location and was able to get through a lot of quick innings," Shorecrest coach Don Reed said.

Larson had the winning hit, a double in the fourth inning that brought home Jon Oorlog to give the Chargers a 1-0 lead. In the sixth, Shorecrest widened the gap, scoring six runs and sending 10 batters up.

Shorecrest vs Out of Door Academy - DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

Tuesday, April 27
Shorecrest 7, Out of Door Academy 0

The Chargers played a very good all around baseball game to win their first game of the District Tournament. Tyler L. pitched an outstanding complete game. He pitched shut out baseball allowing only 2 hits, striking out 10 and no walks. Tyler had great location throughout the entire game with all of his pitches.

The Chargers scored a run in the bottom of the 4th inning on a walk to Jon O. and then Tyler L. singled with 2 outs to drive in the 1st run of the game to give the Chargers a 1-0 lead. In the 5th inning the Chargers broke the game open with a 5 run rally. John R. led off with a base hit. Brent R. walked. Marc B. singled to drive in a run. Spencer H. also singled to drive in 2 more runs. Jason K. drove in a run on a ground out. Andrew R. drove in a run with a base hit.

Spencer H. singled with 1 out in the 6th inning. Jon O. singled and then Jason K. singled to drive in a run to make the final score 7-0.

The Chargers also played solid defense the entire ballgame.

Leading hitters for the Chargers were:
Spencer H. with 2 hits, 1 run scored and 2 RBIs
John R. with 2 hits and 1 run scored
Marc B. with 1 hit, 1 run scored and 1 RBI
Jon O. with 2 hits and 2 runs scored
Jason K. with 1 hit and 2 RBIs
Tyler L. with 1 hit and 1 RBI
Andrew R. with 1 hit and 1 RBI
Jake B. with 1 hit
Brent R. with 2 runs scored
John S. with 1 run scored

The Chargers will play Northside Christian on Thursday, April 29 at 4:00 in the Championship Game of the District 11 Baseball Tournament at Shorecrest.

St. Pete Times Online Edition - April 24

The following is an excerpt from the St. Petersburg Times' Sports Section (online):

Pinellas Baseball District Tournament Preview Class 2A, District 11 at Shorecrest
Unsung hero:
The top-seeded Chargers have been hit by the injury bug, with four players missing time in the past month. That allowed outfielder Jake Brandenburg to emerge as an everyday force. His run-scoring single against St. Stephens' was the difference in a game that decided the district's top spot.

Shorecrest vs The Cambridge School - Bay Conference Championship Game

Thursday, April 22
Shorecrest 0, The Cambridge School 14

The Chargers played a very good Cambridge baseball team that is red hot at this time of year. Brent R. led off the top of the 1st inning with a base on balls. Marc B. hit a long fly ball deep to right field that was caught near the fence for the 1st out. Spencer H. walked, then Cambridge turned a ground ball double play to end the inning.

Cambridge scored 3 runs in the 1st inning and then 3 runs in the 2nd inning to take a 6-0 lead. They scored 2 runs in the 3rd inning and then 6 more in the 4th inning to make the final score 14-0.

Marc B. picked up his first loss of the season. The Chargers also pitched Jason K., Andrew R. and Tyler L. in the ball game as well.

Tyler L. made the defensive play of the game. He made a back handed stab of a ground ball going up the middle and threw the runner out at 1st.

The Chargers will have 2 more practices before their first District game on Tuesday, April 27 at 4:00 pm at home against the winner of the Admiral Farragut/Out of Door Academy game.

DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

Shorecrest will host the 2010 FHSAA 2A District 11 Baseball Tournament during the week of April 26.

Monday, April 26, 4:00 pm
#5 Admiral Farragut vs #4 Out of Door Academy

Tuesday, April 27, 1:00 pm
#3 Northside Christian vs #2 St. Stephens

Tuesday, April 27, 4:00 pm
Winner of Monday's game vs #1 Shorecrest

Thursday, April 29, 4:00 pm
Championship Game - winners of Tuesday's games

Shorecrest vs Calvary Christian

Monday, April 19
Shorecrest 4, Calvary Christian 1

The Chargers won its last regular season game at home on Monday April 19 and it was Senior Recognition Day.

The Chargers scored a run in the bottom of the 1st inning. Brent R. led off with a long double and scored on a wild pitch to give the Chargers a 1-0 lead. Calvary Christian tied the game by scoring a run in the 2nd inning making the score 1-1.

Brian K. led off the 3rd inning with a base hit. Jon O. singled and Marc B. singled to drive in 2 runs to make the score 3-1 in favor of the Chargers. In the 6th inning Tyler L. led off with a base on balls. Jake B. was hit by a pitch. Will S. singled and Andrew R. drove in a run with an infield ground out to make the final score 4-1.

Jason K. picked up the win pitching 4 innings, allowing 1 run, 3 hits and 4 strikeouts and walked nobody. Tyler L. picked up the save working 3 innings allowing no runs, 2 hits, 5 strikeouts and 1 base on balls.

Andrew R. made the defensive play of the game on a backhanded stab on a ground ball to 3rd base to throw the batter out at 3rd base.

Leading hitters for the Chargers were:
Marc B. with 1 hit and 2 RBIs
Brent R. with 1 double and 1 run scored
Will S. with 2 hits and 1 run scored
Brian K. with 2 hits and 1 run scored
Jon O. with 1 hit and 1 run scored
Andrew R. with 1 RBI
Jake B. with 1 hit

The Chargers will play at Cambridge in the Bay Conference Championship game on Thursday, April 22, time to be determined.

Shorecrest vs Northside Christian

Thursday, April 15
Shorecrest 6, Northside Christian 7

Northside scored a run in the bottom of the 1st inning to take a 1-0 lead. The Chargers tied the game up in the 2nd inning on a single by Tyler L. Andrew R. then drove him in with a base hit to make the score 1-1. Jon O. led off the 3rd inning with a base on balls. Jason K. drove him in with a base hit. Jason K. scored on an error to give the Chargers 3-1 lead.

Northside Christian scored 2 runs in the 3rd inning to tie the score 3-3. In the 5th inning Jon O. was hit by a pitch. Tyler L. tripled to drive Jon O. in to make the score 4-3. In the top of the 7th inning Jason K. walked and Tyler L. doubled to drive him in. Tyler L. scored on an error to give the Chargers a 6-3 lead. Northside Christian scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to win the game 7-6.

Andrew R. picked up the loss but he pitched a very good game.

Leading hitters for the Chargers were:
Tyler L. who went 4 for 4 in the game with 2 singles, 1 double, 1 triple, 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs
Jason K. with 1 hit, 2 runs and 1 RBIs
Andrew R. with 1 hit and 1 RBI
Brian K. with 1 hit
Jon O. with 2 runs scored

The Chargers will play Calvary Christian, a Bay Conference game, on Monday, April 19 at 4:00 pm at home.

Shorecrest vs Bishop McLaughlin

Tuesday, April 13
Shorecrest 6, Bishop McLaughlin 9

Bishop McLaughlin scored a run in the top of the 1st inning with a base on balls, a double and a sacrifice fly to take a 1-0 lead. The Chargers scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Jon O. singled, Jason K. reached on an error, Tyler L. singled to drive in a run and Will S. grounded out to drive in another run to give the Chargers a 2-1 lead.

Bishop McLaughlin scored 4 runs in the 4th inning to go ahead 5-2. Bishop McLaughlin scored another run in the top of the 6th inning to make the score 6-2.

Jason K. doubled to lead off the bottom of the 6th inning. Jake B. singled to drive in a run. Tyler L. grounded out to drive in another run to cut the lead to 6-4. In the bottom of the 7th inning, Marc. B. singled, Jon O. walked, Tyler L. hit in to a force play to drive in a run. Jake B. also hit into a forced play to drive in another run to tie the score 6-6.

Bishop McLaughlin scored 3 runs in the 8th inning to win the game 9-6.

Tyler L. was the losing pitcher.

Leading hitters for the Chargers were:
Marc B. with 1 single, 1 double and 1 run scored
Jason K. with 1 single, 1 double, 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs
Tyler L. with 2 hits and 1 RBIs
Jake B. with 1 hit and 2 RBIs
Will S. with 1 RBI
Jon O. with 1 hit and 2 runs scored

The Chargers will play at Northside Christian on Thursday, April 15 at 6:00 pm

Shorecrest vs Indian Rocks Christian

Friday, April 9, 2010
Shorecrest 4, Indian Rocks Christian 0

John S. led off the 1st inning for the Chargers with a base on balls. Brent R. drove him in with a base hit to give the Chargers a 1-0 lead. Jason K. walked in the bottom of the 2nd inning with 1 out. Jake B. singled to drive him in to make the score 2-0. Brent R. led off the 3rd inning with a base hit. Jon O. doubled to drive him in to give the Chargers a 3-0 lead. The Chargers scored another run in the bottom of the 6th inning. Jon O. singled and scored on an infield hit by Brian K. and a throwing error to make the final score 4-0 in favor of the Chargers.

Tyler L. pitched a great complete game, allowing no run, 2 hits, 1 walk and 9 strike outs. Tyler had very good command of the pitches and worked ahead of the hitters during the game.

Leading hitters for the Chargers were:
Jon O. with 1 single, 1 double, 1 run scored and 1 RBI
Brent R. with 2 hits, 1 run scored and 1 RBI
Jake B. with 1 hit and 1 RBI
Brian K. with 1 hit
John S. with 1 run scored

The Chargers next game is at home against Bishop McLaughlin on Tuesday, April 13 at 4:30 pm.

Shorecrest vs St. Stephens

Wednesday, April 7
Shorecrest 7, St. Stephens 6 (9 inning game)

The Chargers scored a run in the bottom of the 3rd inning on a walk to Jake B. who scored on a sacrifice fly by John R. to give the Chargers a 1-0 lead.

St. Stephens came right back and scored 2 runs in the top of the 4th inning to go ahead 2-1. The Chargers responded with a run in the bottom of the 4th. With 2 outs Jason K. walked, Tyler L. and Jake B. both singled to load the bases. Andrew R. singled to drive in the run to tie the game at 2-2. The Chargers scored a run in the 5th inning. With 1 out Marc B. doubled and Spencer H. drove him in with a base hit to make the score 3-2 in favor of the Chargers.

St. Stephens scored 2 runs in the top of the 6th inning to take the lead again at 4-3. In the bottom of the inning Tyler L. led off with a base hit. John R. walked and then Brent R. singled to drive in a run that tied the score at 4-4. St. Stephens scored 2 runs in the top of the 8th inning to take the lead again at 6-4 but the Chargers fought back one more time and rallied with 1 out. Marc B. and Spencer both walked. Jon O. singled to load the bases. Jason K. singled to drive in a run to drive to cut the lead down to 1 run. With 2 outs and 2 strikes, Jake B. hit a hard line drive base hit to the outfield to drive in a run to tie the game up at 6-6.

In the bottom of the 9th inning John R. tripled to the outfield fence and Brent R. and Marc B. were both intentionally walked to load the bases. Spencer H. stepped up big time and lined a hard line shot into centerfield for a walk off base hit driving in the winning run making the final score Charger 7, St. Stephens 6.

It was a very exciting game that was very well played by 2 very good baseball teams. The Chargers could have folded up the tent a number of times but they would not quit and continued to fight back and won a great baseball game. The defense was very good and the Chargers played errorless ball throughout the entire game.

Marc B. pitched 6 innings, allowed 4 runs on 4 hits, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. Andrew R. worked 3 innings, giving up 2 runs, 1 walk and striking out 2.

Leading hitters for the Chargers were:
Spencer H. with 3 hits, 1 run scored and 2 RBIs (including the game winning RBI)
Tyler L. with 2 singles, 1 double, 1 run scored and 1 RBI
Jake B. with 2 hits, 1 run scored and 1 RBI
Brent R. with 1 single, 1 double and 1 RBI
John R. with 1 triple, 1 run scored and 1 RBI
Marc B. with 1 double and 1 run scored
Jason K. with 1 hit, 1 run scored and 1 RBI
Andrew R. with 1 hit and 1 RBI
Jon O. with 1 hit

The Chargers will be at home to play Indian Rocks at 4:30 pm in a Bay Conference Baseball Game.

Shorecrest vs Out of Door Academy

Tuesday, April 6
Shorecrest 12, Out of Door Academy 2

Out of Door Academy scored 2 runs in the top of the 1st inning to take a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the 2nd inning, Jason K. reached on an error, Tyler L. singled, Jake B. singled and with 2 outs John R. tripled to drive in 3 runs to give the Chargers a 3-2 lead.

In the 3rd inning, Jon O. doubled with 2 outs, Jason K. singled to drive in a run, Tyler L. reached on an error to score a run. Brian K. reached on an error to score another run to make the score 6-2. In the 4th inning Marc B. doubled, Spencer H. walked, Jon O. doubled to drive in 1 run, Jason K. doubled to drive in 2 more runs and Will S. singled to drive in another run to give the Chargers a 10-2 lead.

In the 5th inning Brent R. walked and Marc B. doubled to drive in a run to give the Chargers an 11-1 lead. In the 6th inning Juan D. singled, Brian K. walked and John R. singled to drive in a run to end the game because of the 10 run rule.

Jason K. was the winning pitcher for the Chargers working 5 1/3 innings allowing 2 earned runs, 3 hits, 8 strikeouts and 2 walks. Andrew R. pitched 2/3 of an inning and retired both hitters that he faced.

The defensive play of the game was made by Tyler L. making a diving one-handed back hand stab of a ground ball and throwing the batter out at 1st base.

Leading hitters for the Chargers were:
John R. with 2 singles, 1 triple and 4 RBIs
Jason K. with 1 single, 1 triple, 2 runs scored and 3 RBIs
Marc B. with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs
Jon O. with 1 single, 1 double, 2 runs scored and 1 RBI
Tyler L. with 1 single, 1 run scored and 1 RBI
Will S. with 1 single and 1 RBI
Jake B. with 1 single and 1 run scored
Juan D. with 1 single and 1 run scored

The Chargers will play St. Stephens at home on Wednesday, April 7 at 4:00 pm.

St. Pete Times Online Edition - April 2

The following is an excerpt from the St. Petersburg Times' Sports Section (online):

Cotey's Top 10: They have perfect pitch, really....

4. Hamilton and Burr
When it came to pitching duels this week, we had plenty, but most notable may have been Seminole's Tim Lamoureux trading strikeouts with Shorecrest's Marc Brakeman. In the end Lamoureux won that battle 16-12, and it's a shame either pitcher had to lose this one. Oh wait, neither one did - the Warhawks won in extra innings after both starters had been relieved.

Shorecrest vs Boca CiegaSteve Georgiadis Holiday Tournament

Saturday, April 3
Shorecrest 9, Boca Ciega 5

The Chargers scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 1st inning to jump out to a 4-0 lead. John R. walked, Brent R. singled, Marc B. singled to load the bases and Spencer H. walked to force in the 1st run of the game. Jon O. was hit by a pitched ball to force in a run. Jason K. and Tyler L. each grounded out to drive in runs. Austin R. walked in the 2nd inning and scored on a sacrifice fly by Marc B. to make the score 5-0.

Boca Ciega scored a run in the top of the 4th inning to cut the lead to 5-1. Boca Ciega scored 2 more runs in the top of the 5th inning to make the score 5-3.

Jon O. led off the bottom of the 5th with a long 3 base hit and scored on a wild pitch. Jason K. walked. Jake B. reached on a fielder's choice. Austin R. also reached on a fielder's choice and drove in a run to give the Chargers an 8-3 lead.

Boca Ciega scored 2 more runs in the 6th inning to cut the lead to 8-5.

The Chargers answered with a run in the bottom of the 6th. Spencer H. led off with a base hit and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jason K. to make the final score 9-5.

Brent R. and Spencer H. both made some very good defensive plays in the infield for the Chargers. Marc B. threw out 2 base runners trying to steal 2nd.

Tyler L. picked up the win by working 5 2/3 innings, walking 1 and striking out 4. Andrew R. worked 1 1/3 innings striking out 2 and allowing only 1 hit.

Leading hitters for the Chargers were:
Jon O. with 1 triple, 1 run scored and 1 RBI
Brent R. with 1 hit and 1 run scored
Marc B. with 1 hit, 1 sacrifice fly and 1 RBI
Spencer H. with 1 hit and 2 runs scored
Tyler L. with 1 hit
Jason K. with 2 RBIs
Austin R. with 1 RBI

The Chargers next game is against Out of Door Academy on Tuesday, April 6 at 4:00 pm.

Shorecrest vs Pembroke PinesSeminole Steve Georgiadis Holiday Tournament

Thursday, April 1
Shorecrest 1, Pembroke Pines 15

Pembroke Pines was an outstanding baseball team and swung the bats extremely well Thursday night. The Pirates scored 3 runs in the top of the 1st inning on a walk, a single and 2 doubles. The Chargers scored their only run of the game in the bottom of the 1st. Brent R. singled with 1 out and scored on an infield error to cut the lead to 3-1. The Pirates scored 3 runs in the 3rd, 3 runs in the 5th and 6 runs in the 6th inning.

Tyler L. was the losing pitcher. Jason K., Austin R. and Andrew R. all pitched for the Chargers in the game.

Leading hitters for the Chargers were:
Brent R. with 2 hits and 1 run scored
John R. with 1 double
Marc. B. with 1 single
Spencer with 1 single

The Chargers will face Boca Ciega in their 3rd game of the Steve Georgiadis Tournament on Saturday, April 3 at 10:00 am.