By Mike Maerz
Director of Florida Operations/Area Scout

Yesterday afternoon the visiting South Dade Buccaneers took on the home Miami Killian Cougars in a conference matchup that saw the visiting team put up 14 hits, including two home runs. The Cougars pitching staff seemed to have no answer against the Buccaneers lineup as they would surrender a 14-2 loss in five innings to the visiting team.

2017 SS Willy Escala (South Dade HS, FL) led the way on offense as he went 3-for-4 with three runs, four RBIs, a single, double, and a two-run home run. He would fall just a triple short of hitting for the cycle on the day as he showed the ability to square the ball up with hard, solid contact on a quick, compact swing. Escala was also the leadoff batter for the Buccaneers and showed good plate discipline during his at bats.

2016 RHP/1B Alek Manoah (South Dade HS, FL), known for his pitching, also had himself a day at the plate as he went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. One of Manoah’s hits included a solo home run that was a no doubter the second it left the bat as it was a high, deep drive that easily cleared the left-center field wall. 2016 3B Danny Vaughan (South Dade HS, FL) went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and one run scored as he displayed quick hands with the ability to drive the ball during his at-bats.

On the other side, 2017 C Eddy Arteaga (Miami Killian HS, FL) displayed some good blocking ability and footwork behind the plate. He went 1-for-2 on the day including a two-run no doubt home run that cleared the right-center field wall in a hurry. The Miami recruit showed good loft and extension in his swing with power. 2017 SS Freddy Zamora (Miami Killian HS, FL) stood out at the plate by going 2-for-2, displaying above-average bat speed and aggressiveness on the base paths. The Miami recruit also showed advanced actions with range and soft hands in the infield.

2016 RHP Kendrick Pico (South Dade HS, FL) earned the win as he scattered five hits with three strikeouts and allowed three runs. Pico featured a fastball in the low 80s while mixing in a changeup and curveball that kept the Cougar lineup off balance.

With the win, the South Dade Buccaneers moved to 7-1 on the season and will take on Homestead HS, FL, in their next matchup.