The high school baseball season is underway in Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus counties, with several local teams making strong statements in their first games. Hernando High’s baseball team, the Leopards, dominated their first three games, defeating Central 14-1 on Tuesday, February 10, Ryder Faedo hit a 3-run home run, Brody Hedick drove in three runs, and Austin Knierim went 2 for 2 with a triple, a run, and a RBI. Sammy Novick and Jayden Allen both had a double and two RBI, and Kaine Ellis had a triple and a RBI. Cadyn William struck out nine in three scoreless innings.
Two days later, Hernando knocked off Citrus 9-2. Knierim and Lucas Chafin both drove in two runs, while Hedick and Waylon Williamson were both 2 for 3 with a run scored. Then last Friday, the Leopards again beat the Bears 16-0. Williamson was 3 for 3 with four runs and a RBI, Landon Cloud had three RBI, while Hedick and Ellis both had a triple and two RBI. Knierim added two RBI and threw four scoreless innings giving up just one hit and striking out seven.
Other local teams also had strong starts. Nature Coast had a 3-0 week, winning 11-3 at Lecanto in its season opener on Tuesday, February 10. Cashis Williams and Jackson Patterson both had three hits, a double, and a RBI. After topping Cypress Creek 5-4 on Thursday, February 12, the Sharks won at Crystal River 5-4 last Friday. Bryce Hewell went 2 for 4 with a double, a home run, two runs, and a RBI. Patterson was 2 for 4 with a double, a run, and a RBI, Noah Sanchez and Williams were each 2 for 3 with a RBI, and Brayden Evans went 2 for 4 with a RBI.
Springstead and Weeki Wachee split two games last week, with the Hornets taking the first game 4-2 on Tuesday, February 10. Christian Zahora went 3 for 3 with a run and two RBI, and Ashton Childs had a double and a RBI. J.D. Sammons struck out eight in five innings. Keegan Bequette drove in two for Springstead. Last Friday, the Eagles rebounded with a 7-5 victory over the Hornets. Caleb Brandenburg was 3 for 4 with two RBI.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
