The Montverde Academy baseball team used a huge early inning to secure a 10-7 victory over IMG Academy Gray on Thursday afternoon at the USSSA Space Coast Complex. The win improves the Eagles to 9-4 overall this season.
MVAÂ jumped in front quickly, erupting for eight runs in the top of the second inning to take an 8-0 lead. The Eagles added another run in the third inning to extend the advantage to 9-0.
IMG Academy Gray began to chip away in the bottom of the fourth, scoring four runs to cut the deficit to 9-4. Montverde answered with a run in the top of the fifth to make it 10-4, but IMG continued to battle back with three runs in the bottom of the inning to pull within three.
However, MVA's pitching staff shut the door over the final two innings to preserve the 10-7 victory.
The Eagles finished with 11 hits offensively, led by Carlos Feliciano, who went 3-for-4 with a double and a run batted in. Odanyx Ofarril added a strong performance at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a double and three runs scored, while Rainer Garcia finished 1-for-3 with a run scored and two RBIs.
On the mound, Alex Bello earned the win after pitching 3.1 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits while striking out three. Mauricio Zaa closed the game with 3.2 innings of relief, giving up three runs on two hits to secure the save.
Montverde Academy returns to action Wednesday when the Eagles face West Boca in the Bishop Moore Baseball Tournament. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m..
