Sailors slide into title game

Sarasota High catcher Carson Kyser tagged out the potential tying run at the plate to secure the Sailors 3-2 victory over Royal Palm Beach in the Class 7A State Semifinals Wednesday afternoon, at JetBlue Park, in Fort Myers. 

Sarasota took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning on an error by Royal Palm Beach pitcher Triston McKenzie. The Sailors added another run in the top of the second before the Wildcats broke onto the scoreboard in the bottom half of the inning. Royal Palm Beach added another run in the bottom half of the inning, but was unable to produce the tying run. 

Leadoff hitter Skylar Frey went 2-for-3 with a double, a stolen base and a run scored to lead the way for Sarasota at the plate. Adam Imwalle also went 2-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored. Vaun Brown also scored a run and added a RBI. 

Nick Long earned the win on the mound for the Sailors, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out two in 3 1/3 innings. Cody Brickhouse picked up the save, allowing three hits and striking out three. 

Sarasota will vie for its ninth state title and first since 2007 today when the Sailors face Oviedo, a 12-0 winner versus Plant City Durant, in the Class 7A Championship. 

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].