Viera Soars Past Sebastian River In 7A-6 Play

The undefeated Viera Hawks traveled south to face the Sebastian River Sharks in the District 7A-6 opener for both teams. Sebastian River (0-1) jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first inning, but Viera (3-0) responded with a fury, defeating the Sharks 10-2 in the first of two meetings between the schools.

Alejandro Cortina had a big day at the plate, driving in five RBIs for a Hawks offense that got off to a slow start.

The game was headed in Sebastian River’s favor after one inning. With one out in the first, Tyler Osterman hit a sacrifice fly that scored courtesy runner Brandon Landers. Chris Landis then hit a hard ground ball that was misplayed by the defense, allowing Young to score.

Viera took over the game with a four-run fourth inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Connor Scheer hit a line drive to right field, scoring Connor Leary and Alexie Shytle for a two-RBI double. Cortina came to bat next and hit a hard grounder past the shortstop to score Andrew Brait and Sheer and put the Hawks ahead 4-2.

Cortina was the catalyst behind another four-run inning in the sixth. With one out and runners on the corners he doubled to center, scoring courtesy-runner Logan Plante and Sheer. Thomas Berry then hit a home run to left field that also drove in courtesy-runner Tyler Pruett.

The Hawks tacked on two more runs in the top of the seventh before Cortina retired the side in the bottom of the frame to seal the win.

At the plate, Cortina finished 3-for-4 with five RBIs and a double. He also pitched two innings in relief, allowing no runs, no hits and three strikeouts.

Berry earned the win for Viera. He tossed five innings, allowing two unearned runs, three hits, no walks with nine strikeouts. He also went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs at the plate. Sheer had the other multi-hit performance for Viera. He went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, three runs, a double and a stolen base.

Osterman had a RBI, while Ed Nichiloce and Landis had one hit each for Sebastian River.

Leave a comment using your facebook account!