Charles W. Flanagan High School Baseball

After spotting the Pre-Season Classic host, Monsignor Pace Spartans, a 6-0 cushion in the bottom of the first inning with four errors that led to three unearned runs, it would have been easy for the young Flanagan ballclub to feel demoralized enough to pack it in and wait for better days.  However, for the second time in three days, the Falcons displayed power up and down the lineup and made this one very interesting, before letting it get away late, 15-11.

Zach Jackson (2-4, R, 3 RBI, HR, BB), Corey Janson (2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR) and Nick Basto (2-2, 3 R, 2 RBI, HR, BB, HBP, SB) each hit two run homers, making it five different Falcons to accomplish the feat in their two preseason games this week.  Geoffrey Jimenez also helped pace the offense, going 2 for 3, with 2 runs scored, an RBI double, a sacrifice bunt and two stolen bases. 

Pitchers Adam Quiles and Keil Conway each threw two solid innings, and contained the Spartans just enough to allow the Falcons offense to overcome 6-0 and 8-2 deficits, eventually taking a 9-8 lead in the top of the 5th inning.  However, it would be short lived, as Pace bounced back with four of their own in the bottom frame, taking a 12-9 lead into the top of the 6th.  Once again, Flanagan would not quit, cutting the deficit to one run after picking up a pair in the top half.  The Spartans, however, would answer yet again wth three runs, and, with the Falcons going quietly in their last at bat, the slugfest that saw a combined 24 hits, would end at 15-11.

Despite coming up short, the Falcons showed the resiliency and determination they'll need when the 2009 campaign starts for real on Monday, February 16, at 7pm against the Miami Sunset Knights in the Falcon Earlybird Challenge, sponsored by Nike and Orlando Team Sports.