Presley near-perfect on mound, Miller delivers three hits, as Key West wins, 16-0

BY RALPH MORROW

MANAGING EDITOR

Key West High had near-perfect pitching and solid batting, but what really counted were the walks and hit batsmen the Conchs received from Keys Gate pitching Saturday evening at Homestead, as the Conchs took their second “mercy” victory over the Knights this season, this time, 16-0. As the first game, a 10-0 victory, counted in the District 16-4A standings, this one did not.

Key West is now 10-2 on the season (including two preseason victories) and has beaten every district opponent except Coral Shores, who visit Key West on Tuesday, March 18.

Brandon Presley (4-1) pitched four no-hit innings, allowing but a walk, while Steven Wells finished up, giving up a clean single to left field for Coach Ralph Henriquez Jr.’s team in the fifth and final inning.

The Conchs picked up nine hits, but also benefitted from 11 walks and five hit batsmen.

Darren Miller, reduced to being the designated hitter of late after injuring his throwing arm, regained his batting stroke Saturday by going 3-for-3, including a double and driving in three runs. Greg Veliz, who never lost his stroke, collected a two-run homer in the first inning, measured at 380 feet by radio announcers Rick Lopez and Patrick Miller. Veliz also drove in two more runs with a fifth-inning single. Andy Perez, Hugo Valdez (double), Hunter Sellers and Anthony Henriquez had the other hits for the Conchs.

Key West comes home to Rex Weech Field at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, opposing Carrollwood Day, a Class 3A school from Tampa, beginning a six-game homestand. Calusa Prep provides the Friday-Saturday opposition, both games at 7:30, before the contest with the Hurricanes.

 

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