Calvary Christian Academy wins Florida 3A-District 13 baseball crown

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – A couple of up-and-coming programs faced off Thursday night for the Class 3A-District 13 baseball final. In the end, it came down to execution.

Calvary Christian Academy was able to execute big pitches in big moments, and ultimately the Eagles hoisted the championship trophy.

Braden Rosenthal struck out four in 4-2/3 innings and delivered an RBI single for Calvary Christian in its 3-1 win over NS University School.

Rosenthal had to leave the game due to a blister with two on in the fifth inning, and left-hander Noah Diehl entered to throw 2-1/3 scoreless innings, picking up the save.

Now, both teams will advance to the Class 3A regionals next week.

“I’ve been proud of these guys all year, whether we won this game or not,” said Calvary coach Wayne Rosenthal after his team improved to 18-7. “The way these guys play together, and just doing this as one has been a real pleasure to watch. As a coach that’s what you look for. Today, they showed some grit, and they came back, and they did what they needed to do to score some runs.”

University School (18-8-1) took the lead in the first inning on Bradyn Potter’s leadoff triple, and Griffin Pomper chopped an RBI ground ball. But after falling behind early, Rosenthal settled and was in command before the blister flared up in the fifth inning.

“I felt bad about it, but I knew I could contribute in a different way at first base,” said Braden Rosenthal, Wayne’s son.

Calvary Christian broke on top with three runs in the third inning. Johnathan Gomez had an RBI infield single, and Rosenthal drove in a run with a single.

“We have a thing called, ‘What’s Next.’ Not what’s happened. It’s always what’s next,” coach Rosenthal said. “They don’t care about what they’ve done, it’s what they’re going to do. Even though they went down one, they knew what they were going to do.”

The Eagles are actually drawing some motivation from the old-time New York Mets, “You Gotta Believe” days.

“The word 'believe' comes to play,” Rosenthal said. “Back in the old days with the Mets. ‘Gotta Believe.’ These guys believe in themselves and they believe in each other.”

University School also believes in what the Sharks are building under coach Dan Rovetto.

Both teams are loaded with juniors along with some talented sophomores.

“This was a great battle between two high school teams. Young teams,” Rovetto said. “I think we’re going to see each other quite a bit over the next couple of years. They’re very well coached. Rosey is doing a great job. You could see the way they operate, from the pregame, infield and outfield. Very meticulous in the way they work. I appreciate that as a coach as well.”

The Sharks threatened late, but Diehl was able to lock down the final outs.

What made the outing more impressive for Diehl is he had to warm up quickly because of Rosenthal’s blister.

“I didn’t have too much time to get really ready to get out there, but once I got out there, I tried doing what I’ve been doing recently,” Diehl said.

Rovetto added: “We had some opportunities late in the game that we have to be able to execute in a tight ballgame. We had two of our better hitters up with runners in scoring position, but un

In other district finals:

Class 7A-District 14: West Broward 9, Western 6

Andrew Alvarez homered, drove in three runs and scored three times for top-seed, West Broward. Alejandro Sardinas had two doubles and scored three times.

Western’s Tyler Jenkins homered and drove in five runs.

Class 5A-District 15: Archbishop McCarthy 8, Pembroke Pines Charter 3

Antonio Jimenez homered and drove in three runs for Archbishop McCarthy, the top-seed. Justin Lebron had two hits, a double and two RBIs.

Connor McShane struck out 12 in five innings.

Class 7A-District 13: Marjory Stoneman Douglas 12, Boca Raton 2 (Wednesday)

The Eagles had home runs from Devin Fitz-Gerald, Niko Benestad, Rylan Lujo and Dillon Moquin in a lopsided win.

Class 5A-District 14: American Heritage (Plantation) 11, Suncoast 6

The Patriots received a big night from Jordan Rich, who had two hits, including a triple and drove in three runs. Spencer Butt, Lucas Ramirez and Chris Levy each drove in two runs.

Class 6A-District 16: Doral Academy 3, Varela 2

Adrian Santana had two hits and an RBI, and Luis Rodriguez struck out seven in 5 1/3 innings to lead Doral Academy to the district title.

Class 7A-District 15: Columbus 9, Braddock 4

Lester Martinez hit a homer and drove in four runs, and Carlos Jacome added a double and two hits for Columbus.

Class 6A-District 14: St. Thomas Aquinas 13, South Plantation 3

Ryan Wolf drove in three runs on two hits, and scored twice, and RJ MacHado added a double and two RBIs for the Raiders.

Class 3A-District 12: North Broward Prep 4, Coral Springs Charter 3

Gian De Castro belted a home run for the Eagles, and Mateo Gray had six strikeouts and no runs allowed in 4 2/3 innings.

Class 2A-District 16: Miami Christian 5, Brito 3

Class 6A-District 15: Nova 5, Cooper City 2

Class 4A-District 15: Miami Springs 8, Mater Lakes Academy 1