Charles W. Flanagan High School Baseball

Behind a 13 hit attack where five Falcons delivered multi-hit games, and a strong outing from junior righthander Robert Collin (3-0), Flanagan (21-2) defeated South Plantation (10-13), 12-2, in a run-rule shortened six innings to advance to Friday's regional semifinal against the West Broward Bobcats, who were 10-2 winners over South Broward.

Collin scattered six hits over five innings, allowing two earned runs in the first inning, while walking one and striking out nine Paladins.  Matt Beauchemin saw his first action of the year on the hill,  pitching a scoreless sixth inning.  On offense, 7 Flanagan starters had at least one hit, and 6 of 9 had at least one RBI.  Junior firstbaseman Mike Melendez led the way, going 3-4 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI, improving his team leading average to .479.  Falcons shortstop Ricky Santiago added a 2 for 4 night, with 2 runs scored, a double and an RBI, while Pichi Torres (2-3, R, RBI), David Gonzalez (2-3, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI), and Ryan Lozada (2-3, R, 2B, RBI) each went 2 for 3.

The Falcons, who defeated a talented West Broward ballcub 15-11 and 16-14 in two previous slugfests, will need to complete the three game season sweep over the Bobcats at home on Friday night at 7pm in the regional semifinal to continue their march towards Port St. Lucie.