One top pitcher not enough in regional tournament

Several Miami-Dade County baseball teams have made it to the state final four on the strength of one solid pitcher.

But with the Florida High School Athletic Association instituting a best-of-3 format for this weekend's regional final round, Dade's remaining teams know it will take much more depth to advance to next week's championships in Sarasota.

''Switching to a 2-of-3 format definitely makes the whole thing about endurance,'' Southridge coach Ed Doskow said.

``In a single game, a pitcher can have a great day and shut you out, or one mistake can cost your team the whole season.''

Southridge (21-6) will take on Goleman (24-3) on Friday for a spot in the Region 4-6A final.

The teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m. at Monsignor Pace. Should the teams split, they will play a third game at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Miami Christian will play host to Pompano Beach Highlands Christian beginning at 1 p.m. Friday in the Region 4-2A final series.

Brito (19-4) will play Lake Worth Trinity Christian in a rematch of last year's Region 4-1A final at Lantana Santaluces High. That series starts at 4 p.m. Friday.

Doskow believes the series format should help his players from a mental standpoint.

''I think it helps the kids relax a little because when you get in a one-game setting, the kids feel more pressure not to make mistakes,'' Doskow said.

``The first game is the key. If you get that win, you already know, at worst, you're coming back the next day and the pressure is on the other team a lot more.''

During the first two games of the playoffs, Southridge has shown the pitching prowess it will need this weekend.

Led by the combination of James Young and Dane Stone, the Spartans have allowed just one combined run in victories against South Miami and Palmetto.

Young pitched a three-hitter and had eight strikeouts last week to beat district rival Palmetto. Against South Miami, Stone allowed a run in 6 1/3 innings, and Young entered in relief and picked up the save.

The Spartans, who are hoping to advance to state for the seventh time and for the first time since 2002, will be facing one of their toughest-hitting opponents of the season.

Goleman, making its regional finals debut, hit four home runs against American in a 10-0 victory. Alex Pacheco hit two and third baseman Frank Solis and Jason Bonilla had two-run home runs. Pitcher Carlos Moreno is 11-0 this season.

''There's going to be a lot of strategy on each side as far as how long to use pitchers and when,'' Doskow said. ``This is a great Goleman team we're facing.

``They've been on a roll the whole season. I think settling it in a series you'll find out who is truly the most deserving team.''