Fernandez Ks 12 in 2-1 Win for Gaither

Pitching was the story on Tuesday night as Jefferson traveled to Gaither to take on the Cowboys. Getting the start for Jefferson was uncommitted senior RHP John Valle Vera. Valle Vera impressed out the gate reaching 94 mph with his fastball. He pitched six innings for the Dragons, allowing two runs while striking out eight.

First look at #UNcommitted John Valle Vera ‘23 (FL)

Quick arm touching 94 with the FB. Flashes sharp SLV up to 2787 rpm.

Physical 6-2, 195 lb frame.

FB: 92-93 T94 (2581)
SLV: 76-80 (2787)@JHSDragonsBsbl pic.twitter.com/lSGMLgrVN2

— Rocco Iervasi Jr. (@rocco_iervasi) March 29, 2023

On the other side, Gaither threw an impressive uncommitted arm as well in junior LHP Michael Fernandez. Fernandez got up to 91 mph with his fastball and worked three pitches for strikes. A big swing and miss curveball and wipeout changeup helped Fernandez rack up twelve strikeouts in 5.1 innings.

Impressed with #UNcommitted Michael Fernandez ‘24 (FL) mound presence.

Attacks hitters landing 3 pitches for strikes. Up to 91 from the left side.

Above average potential on the secondary stuff.

FB: 88-91
CB: 69-71 (2455)
CH: 78-80@GaitherBaseball pic.twitter.com/8sz3cfi3bv

— Rocco Iervasi Jr. (@rocco_iervasi) March 28, 2023

The game was scoreless until the third when Miguel Pina doubled to right for Gaither. A few batters later, Dominic Zarcone singled up the middle to give Gaither an early 1-0 lead.

E2 | Gaither 1, Jefferson 0

Miguel Pina ‘23 (FL) doubles to right and later comes around to score for Gaither.@GaitherBaseball pic.twitter.com/1u7tUuG7h8

— PBR Florida (@PBRFlorida) March 28, 2023

In the 6th, Jayden Vazquez led off with a single to left for Jefferson. Alejandro Aguilar would later drive in Vazquez on an RBI single to tie the game at 1.

In the bottom of the 6th, Gaither looked to take back the lead. Jackson Mirza led off with a single. After an errant pick off attempt, Mirza advanced to 3rd. A wild pitch would allow Mirza to score giving Gaither the 2-1 lead.

Anthony Linares closed things out for Gaither in 1.2 innings of relief. He struck out four and earned a 2-1 victory for Gaither.

UPCOMING EVENTS