With two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the seventh, Max Irving delivered the defining moment of the game, ripping a bases-clearing double to erase a four-run deficit and propel Montverde Academy to a 5-4 comeback victory over West Boca High School on Wednesday at the Bishop Moore Tournament in Orlando.
Trailing 4-0 entering the final inning, the Eagles mounted a relentless rally. Miguel Ramos got things started with a leadoff single before advancing into scoring position. After one out, Tank Chavous provided a spark off the bench with a pinch-hit single to put runners on the corners.
Jonathan Valdes followed with an RBI single to bring home Ramos and cut the deficit to three. Odanyx Ofarril then worked a walk to load the bases and keep the pressure on.
After a second out threatened to halt the momentum, Irving stepped to the plate and delivered a double to clear the bases and tie the game at 4-4.
Moments later, Alex Bello put the ball in play with an infield single, and an error allowed him to reach second while Irving came around to score the go-ahead run, completing the five-run inning and sealing the 5-4 win.
Irving finished 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored, and three RBI to lead the offense. Valdes went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI, while Michael Alicea also added two hits, going 2-for-3.
On the mound, Rainer Garcia was instrumental in keeping MVA within reach. He earned the win in relief, tossing 5.1 innings while allowing just one run on five hits and striking out three.
With the victory, Montverde Academy improves to 10-4 on the season.
The Eagles return to action Thursday at 1:00 p.m. as they take on host Bishop Moore in day two of tournament play.