By Eddie Lopez
The Explorer’s varsity baseball team had themselves an exciting week last week, playing three games against tough opponents like Westminster, Southwest, and palmetto.
On Monday, the explorer’s varsity baseball team faced off against Westminster in a tough matchup at the annual be the light baseball game at Mark Light stadium in the University of Miami. The game is played annually in honor of Ari Arteaga and is a great way to bring the community together.
Columbus struck first in the first inning with an RBI single from right fielder Franklin Francisco scoring center fielder Jose Correa. Westminster was able to answer back with back to back singles from third baseman Ethan Puig and center fielder Talan Beckford which led to an RBI single from right fielder Austin Weigandt scoring Puig. Neither team scored until the 3rd inning where a walk and a fielder's choice led to Westminster’s first baseman Jose Lopez bringing a run in off a single. Westminster continued to add to their lead in the bottom of the 4th inning with a 2 run home run from Shortstop William Alvarez and a 2 run double from Beckford. Westminster was able to hold off the Explorers for the rest of the game and win with a score of 6-1.
Then on Wednesday, Columbus suited up for a game against Southwest at home. The pitchers duel ended with 8 total strikeouts between explorers’ pitchers Jason Vasquez and Daniel Castillo. Columbus was able to keep the lead after a 2 run double from catcher Aquiles Arzeno and come out on top 2-1.
To end their 3 game week, they faced off against Palmetto at home. Both teams exchanged runs the entire game. Columbus was down 8-10 in the bottom of the 7th until left fielder RJ Diaz came up to bat and ended the game with a 3 run double off the left field wall.
Despite the tough loss to Westminster, the Explorer’s baseball team was able to bounce back and show that they are truly a team to take seriously in Florida baseball. They face off against Flanagan today at 6 at home.