The Hernando High Leopards continued their hot streak Wednesday night with a dominant 10-0 victory over Citrus High at Fred Farmer Field at Emerson Stadium in Brooksville. The game was called in the fifth inning due to the 10-run mercy rule, marking the Leopards’ fourth consecutive win since a close semifinal loss to Land O’Lakes on March 19.
Senior pitchers Austin Knierim and Caydn Williams combined on a two-hitter to shut down the Hurricanes, while Knierim also contributed offensively with a three-run home run. The Leopards (16-3) have outscored opponents 39-6 during their current four-game winning streak, including a 6-4 revenge victory over Land O’Lakes on March 27.
Hernando started fast against Citrus right-handed pitcher Dylan Czerwinski, with their first five batters recording hits to jump out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Sophomore shortstop Brody led off with a single, followed by singles from senior catcher Kaine Ellis, a University of Richmond signee, and Knierim, a Florida Gulf Coast University signee, to load the bases. Czerwinski was then called for a balk, forcing in the game’s first run.
Sophomore first baseman Jayden Allen followed with a double down the left-field line to drive in two runs, and junior third baseman Billy Ward added another RBI double to right field to give Hernando a commanding 4-0 advantage after just one inning. Coach Tim Sims credited the March 19 loss to Land O’Lakes as a wake-up call for his team, saying the defeat got their attention and sparked their current excellent play at a crucial time in the season.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
