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July 21, 2010 - Legends defeat RBI All-Stars in CMWS Tuneup This was a good example of just why the Florida Legends need preparatory games before embarking to the Connie Mack World Series. Coming back to action after a week off following their Qualifier Tournament victory in Troy, NY, the Legends offensive scheme looked like it had taken a week off. Playing the RBI All-Stars at Hialeah Gardens High School the Legends received an error less performance from their defense and conspicuously stingy pitching. The bats however although outgunning the All-Stars nine hits to three could only produce a solitary run. Enough for a 1-0 Florida victory but showing the need for much work at the same time. With the win the Legends are now 33-8-1. Dominic Laporte took to the hill for the Legends who were playing as visitors. The right hander went four innings allowing one hit, a bunt single in the second, while striking out five. Alex Gonzalez relieved Laporte in the fifth. Gonzalez worked one inning retiring the side in order striking out one. Jason Webb who started the game in left field, pitched the final two innings. Webb, in a save situation, allowed two hits while string out a like number two. Laporte was credited with the victory. He now stands at 7-0. Webb picked up his second save of the year. The only run of the game occurred in the third. Bryan Radziewski led the inning off being issued a full count base on balls. Center fielder Julian Santos followed with a single to left. Both runners advanced 90 feet on a sacrifice bunt by right fielder Juan Gomes. Catcher Shane Rowland then doubled to left scoring Radziewski. In a game which featured at least one Legends runner on base in each inning except the seventh, Noel Cuevas who went 2-3 was the only player on either side with more than one hit. July 13, 2010 - Farmington Bound: Legends defeat Richmond County in 7th inning to clinch 4th straight Connie Mack World Series berth Bat boy Nick Marti sits on top of the world as the Florida Legends celebrate an emotional 4-3 come from behind victory against Richmond County in the championship of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament played at Geer Field in Troy, NY. As tournament champions the Legends qualify for the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, NM. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Who knows, it might have helped. Florida Legends pitcher Julian Loret de Mola visiting the monument to Babe Ruth in Yankee Stadium just prior to the start of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament. Visiting the "Bambino" is said to bring luck. Loret de Mola was the winning pitcher against Richmond County as the Legends came from behind to win the championship of the qualifier tournament played at Geer Field in Troy, NY. 4-3. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Two teams left, the Florida Legends playing as visitors and Richmond County (Staten Island, NY). One game. At stake on Geer Field in Troy, NY was more than the championship of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament. Whichever one of the two remaining teams won this game would assure themselves a berth in the Connie Mack World Series. A chance at a national championship. There was also one intangible which, considering what was being played for, should have been meaningless. Never the less, it was there. Both teams as it turned out were housed in the same Albany, NY hotel. Both teams had seen each other in the halls and lobby for a week. This one would be played for pride. In a game where Florida never led until it mattered most, the Legends fell behind 1-0 early in the first before drawing even in the third. Then falling behind again this time by two very late, the Legends staged a three run comeback in the top of the seventh. Thanks to a phenomenal relief performance in the bottom of the frame the Pinstriped Boys in Blue held on winning 4-3. Florida earned 10 hits, four of them in the seventh. Richmond County, a team with no mascot, collected six. With the victory the Legends move to 31-8-1. Dominic Laporte made his second start of the tournament in the championship game. The right hander issued a lead off base on balls and two singles in the first inning surrendering a run. After issuing two more bases on balls in the second Laporte settled down. The right hander did not allow another base runner until the fifth inning. After another base on balls followed by a double in the sixth Laporte was lifted. In his tenure on the hill Laporte went five issuing four bases on balls while striking out a like number four. He gave up two runs. Julian Loret de Mola entered the game in relief. The fellow right hander pitched one and one thirds innings striking out one while giving up an unearned run and was the pitcher of record for the Legends. Bryan Radziewski entered the game in a save situation in the bottom of the seventh. The southpaw went the final two thirds of an inning producing a pick off and a strike out to end the game. Loret de Mola was credited with the win. He is now 3-0. Radziewski picked up his first save. The Legends mounted a threat to start the game as designated hitter Shane Rowland singled through the right side and second baseman David Vazquez followed with a hit to left. A double play would end the inning however. Down 1-0 the Legends had better luck with their next hit. Shortstop Jack Lopez laid down a text book bunt which rolled past the pitcher to the second baseman. Lopez then stole second and third. Right fielder Juan Gomez then singled to center on a full count pitch driving Lopez home with the equalizing run. Neither team threatened again until the bottom of the sixth. Following a lead off base on balls, a blooping drive was hit down the left field line. Left fielder Jason Webb dove head first and momentarily had the ball but could not control the catch as he fell to earth. That drove Laporte from the hill and brought in Loret de Mola. The next Richmond county batter chopped a ball that bounced off the plate. Catcher Aramis Garcia's throw to first was low allowing not only the batter to reach safely but the go ahead run to score. Another Richmond County single to right scored the runner who had reached on the errant throw. The Legends were down two runs with three outs of life left. Time to see about that pride.The top of the seventh started out on a promising note for Florida as third baseman David Thompson singled through the left side. Then perhaps the pivotal play of the game occurred. Garcia who followed at the bat hit a sharp grounder directly over second. The Richmond second baseman cleanly handled the ball but at such an angle deep behind second that a throw to first was out of the question. Sliding into second Thompson beat him to the bag. Garcia was then pinch run for by Brandon Lopez. Now with two on, Webb laid down a first pitch bunt intended to sacrifice the runners over but the play turned into much more. The bunt was executed magnificently. The Richmond pitcher did not charge the ball immediately and as a result fielded the bunt towards the third base side of the mound instead of in front of it. That slight hesitation meant there was no way to catch the speedy Webb. The pitcher would have done well to just hold on to the ball as being right handed he would have to turn in order to throw. Instead he made a hurried throw which sailed wide allowing Thompson to score and placing the other two runners in scoring position. Up now came Lopez to the bat. The shortstop sent a 1-1offering into left field driving home both runners. Where moments before the outlook was doubtful, the Legends now had a one run lead going into the bottom of the seventh. Couldn't have hurt. Florida Legends pitcher Brian Radziewski visiting the monument to Babe Ruth in Yankee Stadium just prior to the start of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament. Visiting the "Bambino" is said to bring luck. Radziewski was credited with the save in the tournament championship game played at Geer Field in Troy, NY as the Legends came from behind to defeat Richmond County 4-3. Radziewski picked off a runner and struck out a batter for the final two outs. Photo: Robert de la Fe' The top of the Richmond order was coming up to bat. Loret de Mola induced a fly ball to center for the first out but then gave up a double to right center. That would be all for Loret de Mola who had done what was asked of him. Bryan Radziewski entered in a save situation. But first he had to get some shoes. Radziewski had warmed up very quickly without putting his cleats on. In an almost comical caricature several of his teammates were helping him along the first base foul line between home and first to get his footwear on. Once in the game he almost met with disaster. A ground ball to short on a 1-0 pitch was mishandled by Lopez putting the tying run at third and the potential winning run at first. After a few courtesy throws over to first keeping the runner honest, the Richmond third base coach warned his runner, "He has a very good move." Prophetic words. Q. E. D. That is an abbreviation for the Latin term Quod Erat Demonstrandum. Used in mathematics and the law it means: Which Was To Be Demonstrated. So it was. Immediately after the coach's warning Radziewski turned and fired a lightning strike to Ozney Guillen at first. The throw froze the Richmond runner to the extent that Guillen was in between him and the bag with the ball in his glove. The tag was applied well before the runner could get anywhere near back to first. Now with two outs and the tying run still at third there was some work remaining. With the next pitch after the pick off on a count of 1-2, Radziewski offered a slider purposely thrown out of the strike zone. It was enticing enough however, getting the batter to swing off balance. The strikeout ended the roller coaster nerve wracking game. Florida erupted with joy. A dog pile of Legends formed in front of and towards the third base side of the hill with such emotion that even the bat and water boys joined in. Even as the Legends celebrated, plans were being made. Air and hotel reservations would have to be worked out. After the long bus ride home which now was worth the trip, the Legends would get a few days off and then play preparatory games. Florida had to get ready. After all, the Legends now had an appointment at the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico. July 13, 2010 - Legends Advance to Championship of CMWS Qualifier with 7-2 victory over the Cincy Flames Florida Legends pitcher Alex Gonzalez delivering home against the Cincy Flames in the semifinal of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament at Geer Field in Troy, NY. Gonzalez went the distance in an eight frame extra inning game. The right hander allowed three hits while striking out 10 as the Legends rallied behind him to a 7-2 victory. Photo: Robert de la Fe' When the Florida Legends arrived at Geer Field in Troy, NY to play the Cincy Flames, as the name implies a team from Cincinnati, they knew exactly where they stood. The events that had unfurled at the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament the previous afternoon dictated that this was was to be a loser go home semifinal match to be followed directly by the championship game. Not wanting to get ahead of themselves the Legends had to concentrate on the task at hand. The Legends playing as visitors fell behind twice in the contest. Both times scratching and clawing their way back to a draw. Stranding the would be winning Flames run on third to end seven innings of regulation tied 2-2, the Legends had manged five hits, the Flames three. Florida bats finally awoke in extra innings. The Legends took advantage of an error, a hit batsman and an intentional base on balls by exploding for four hits, two of them for extra bases in the eighth more than doubling their offensive production in the extra frame. Florida pitcher Alex Gonzalez, who went the distance, with the Legends defense behind him took care of the rest as the Flames were retired in order in the bottom of the eighth giving the Legends a 7-2 victory. With the win Florida moves to 31-8-1. Making his second start of the tournament, Gonzalez showed some early inning jitters. The right hander issued three bases on balls in the first two innings. Settling down after that Gonzalez issued only one more free pass the rest of the way. Gonzalez retired the side in order in the third, fourth, sixth and eighth innings. Seeming to get stronger as he went along, Gonzalez spread out three hits, all singles,while striking out 10. Finishing what he started Gonzalez registered a complete game for the victory. He now stands at 6-1. Falling behind 1-0 in the second the Legends seemed to not have a clear offensive vision until the fourth. That was when with one out first baseman Ozney Guillen suddenly gave the Legends a jolt sending a 1-1 pitch over the right field fence for a solo home run equaling the game. The Flames retook the lead in the fifth on a rather odd play. With runners on first and third with one out a hard liner was hit directly at Guillen for what looked like an inning ending double play. Yet the ball seemed to go through the first baseman's glove. Picking the ball up and relaying to shortstop Jack Lopez the Legends got the force at second but the go ahead Cincy run scored. The ball seemed to go through Guillen's glove and hit him in the chest because that is exactly what had happened. The line drive had broken the webbing of the glove and went right through the open pocket. Florida Legends second baseman David Vazquez at bat against the Cincy Flames in the semifinal of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament played at Geer Field in Troy, NY. Vazquez, who was 2-4, singled and scored in the sixth as the Legends rallied from behind to tie. He would later score the game winning run in the eighth as the Legends took the contest 7-2 in extra innings. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Down 2-1 late, the Legends drew even for the second time in the contest in the sixth, an inning where an even odder play figured in the scoring of the Legends second run. Second baseman David Vazquez led the inning off with a hit up the middle. Guillen then reached on a fielding miscue putting two runners aboard. The with one out something strange occurred. Left fielder Jason Webb sent a 1-1 pitch directly up the middle. The Flames shortstop and second baseman converged behind second each seemed to look at the other to see who would field the ball. Then the ball perhaps hit the edge of the base. For whatever reason the ball jumped up and hit the Flames shortstop in the shoulder as he looked at the second baseman. With the ball rolling into center field Vazquez was able to score. The Flames had the would be winning run at third with two outs in the seventh but Gonzalez got the third out on a looking strikeout sending the game into extra innings. Vazquez lead off the eighth reaching on a throwing error and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He was moved to third on a ground out. Third baseman David Thompson was hit by pitch and then stole second putting two runners in scoring position. Webb was then issued an intentional base on balls to load the bases. Up came designated hitter Lawrence Pardo who had been quit the entire morning. Pardo got very loud smashing a full count offering into right center for a double scoring two runs. Lopez followed with a deep fly over the center fielder's head for a triple scoring two more. Lopez would be tagged out on a failed squeeze play. Center fielder Julian Santos then singled to center and stole both second and third. He scored the Legends fifth run of the inning when right fielder Noel Cuevas drove him in with a single to right. In a game which had two out of the ordinary plays and a brief stoppage of play in the seventh because of a car fire in the parking lot, the Legends went into the bottom of the eighth up 7-2. Gonzalez took care of the bottom of the frame on 10 pitches. A ground out to Guillen at first and two strikeouts sent the Legends into the tournament final. July 12, 2010 - Radziewski's no-hitter sends Legends to semifinal with 3-0 win over Frozen Rope Titans Florida Legends pitcher Brian Radziewski in route to hurling a complete game no-hit shutout against the Frozen Rope Titans. The elimination game of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament was played at Geer Field in Troy, NY. The Legends won the contest 3-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' It would seem that the Florida Legends are at their best when they are face to face, nose to nose, looking right into the eyes of adversity. Playing in an elimination game of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament at Geer Field in Troy, NY against the Frozen Rope Titans, a team from Texas, the Legends bats which had been struggling as of late did just enough managing four hits. Finding value in economy, three of those four hits led directly to three runs. One game after the Legends produced perhaps the best pitching performance of the year, left handed Brian Radziewski did one better. The southpaw pitched a complete game no-hit shutout. It was the second no-hitter of the qualifier for the Legends. Florida won the contest 3-0 advancing in the tournament. With the win the Legends are now 30-8-1. Designated as home team the Legends took to the field where Radziewski set the defensive tone early. The left hander retired the side on 11 pitches to start the game. Throughout the entire game the Titans had only six base runners. Radziewski issued four bases on balls, hit a batter and a runner reached via a throwing error. Not only would none of those runners cross the plate, Radziewski took care of two of them himself. Featuring a demon move, two pick offs were accomplished. While only striking out three Radziewski had the defense rally behind him. Exhibiting excellent control keeping the spheroid low, only one ball was flighted to the outfield. Radziewski's record moves to 3-0. Gone in a New York minute. Florida Legends first baseman Ozney Guillen sends a 2-1 offering over the fence in right field for a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Frozen Rope Titans. The elimination game of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament was played at Geer Field in Troy, NY. Florida won the contest 3-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Getting ahead immediately with two runs in the bottom of the first the Legends would never relinquish the lead. Right fielder Juan Gomes was awarded a lead off full count base on balls. After stealing second he was driven in by a double down the left field line off the bat of third baseman David Thompson. First baseman Ozney Guillen then doubled himself smashing a two bagger to right center sending Thompson home. The back to back doubles had produced two runs. The score would stay 2-0 for most of the game. The Legends defense made sure of that. With two outs in the fifth a Titan batsman was awarded a base on balls. After having stolen second he was then picked off Radziewski to shortstop Jack Lopez ending the inning. A hit batsman put the lead off runner for the Titans aboard in the sixth. He was retired on a Vazquez to Lopez to Guillen double play ending that frame. Going into the bottom of the sixth the Legends added one more run just to be sure. Guillen sent a 2-1 offering over the fence in right field for a solo home run. The Titans again had the lead off runner on base in the seventh by virtue of a throwing error, the only miscue of the day for the Legends. One pitch later he was erased as Radziewski pocketed his second pick off of the day. A strikeout followed by a ground ball to second ended the game. July 11, 2010 - Legends stay alive defeating Richmond County 4-0 in Round Two of Qualifier Park Avenue high rent district. Florida Legends Luke Jackson offering home against Richmond County in the neighborhood of the mid 90s. Jackson went the the distance in the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament game played at Geer Field in Troy, NY. Led by his two hit, six strikeout performance, the Legends won the contest 4-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' After having lost their opening game of the double elimination round of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament, the Florida Legends came into the afternoon game of a disjointed double header knowing their backs were up against the wall. Facing a must win situation against Richmond County who had earlier won their first game of the round, the Florida bats found what they had lacked in the morning. Timely hitting was the order of the afternoon for the Pinstriped Boys in Blue at Geer Field in Troy, NY. The Legends collected eight hits altogether. More importantly, seven of the hits contributed directly in scoring four runs. More than enough help for a defense that played error free and Luke Jackson on the hill. In the best Legend pitching performance of the year against a quality opponent, Jackson turned in a complete game two hit shutout as the Legends won the contest 4-0. With the win Florida moves to 29-8-1. Designated as home team the Legends took to the field with the entire team knowing it was do or die. Jackson issued a eight pitch base on balls to the lead off Richmond batter. That runner was erased caught stealing however via a catcher Shane Rowland throw and a shortstop Jack Lopez tag. The biggest threat Richmond County, a team with no mascot, mounted was in the second inning. Richmond managed a runner on third by way of a hit batsman, one of their two hits on the day and a stolen base. The runner was then caught in a rundown as a sharp grounder came right back at Jackson who threw to Rowland who tagged the runner completing the fielder's choice out. Right handed Jackson got stronger as the game went along reaching speeds in the mid 90s and not allowing a runner past second the rest of the way. Responding to the leadership from the hill the Florida defense rose to the occasion. Legends gloves accounted for two double plays. The first coming on an alert play. With one out and a runner on second in the third a fly ball to Julian Santos in center recorded the second out. The runner advanced to third as the throw from Santos to third baseman David Thompson arrived late but Thompson flipped the ball to Lopez who stepping on second ended the inning on the appeal as the runner had left early. The second twin killing, Lopez unassisted at second to first baseman Oznay Guillen, ended the sixth. Jackson struck out six finishing what he started for the complete game victory, his first as a Legend. Look at me! I've been shattered. Florida Legends first baseman Ozney Guillen shatters his bat in mid swing during the second inning against Richmond County. The outcome worked out well for Guillen who ended up on second. Florida won the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament game which was played at Geer Park in Troy, NY, 4-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Hitless until the third the Legends bats got to work in that frame. Lopez singled to center on an 0-2 pitch leading off the inning. After stealing second he was driven in by Rowland who was first pitch swinging and singled to center. Second baseman David Vazquez followed with a double down the left field line putting two runners in scoring position. Both would be stranded however. The double by Vazquez was the only Legends hit of the afternoon that did not have a hand in scoring. Although the 1-0 lead seemed all Jackson would need the Legends went after more in the fourth. Thompson led the frame off with a double to left center. Left fielder Noel Cuevas followed with a single through the left side then stole second putting two runners in scoring position for the second time in as many innings. This time however the Legends would capitalize. Designated hitter Jason Webb singled through the right side bringing Thompson home. Cuevas would score on a sacrifice fly to center by Lopez. Now leading 3-0 the Legends added one more in the fifth. Rowland, who finished the afternoon going 2-3, led off the frame with a single to right. Vazquez, who was also 2-3, followed with a full count single to center. One out later as both runners advanced on a ground out to second, a fly ball to right off the bat of Thompson was deep enough to sacrifice Rowland home. The 4-0 lead was welcome news for Jackson and his defense in the seventh as the Legends retired the Richmond side in order to end the contest. July 11, 2010 - South Troy Dodgers defeat Legends 3-1 Florida Legends Julian Loret de Mola pitching in relief against the South Troy Dodgers at Geer Field in Troy, NY. The Dodgers defeated the Legends 3-1 handing Florida its first loss of the double elimination Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament. Loret de Mola pitched two scoreless innings without giving up a hit while striking out one. Photo: Robert de la Fe' It's not like the Florida Legends didn't have their chances. Opportunities were ample yet the one hit that was needed did not come to be. Florida lost their first game of the double elimination round in the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament to the host team South Troy Dodgers 3-1. Florida left the bases loaded in the sixth and seventh innings of the game which was played at Geer Field in Troy, NY. With the loss the Legends move to 28-8-1 on the year. The good news is that since the tournament is in double elimination format, the Legends stay alive. The bad news is that the Legends must now run the tables. Every game of the tournament from here will be an elimination match for the Pinstriped Boys in Blue. The situation is not without precedent however. The 2007 edition of the Legends did exactly that; losing their first game in the double elimination round and then winning out advancing to the Connie Mack World Series. Jimmy Nesselt took to the hill for the Legends. The right hander went four innings allowing three runs, two of which were earned. Nesselt struck out one. Julian Loret de Mola relieved Nesselt in the fifth. Loret de Mola went the final two. The right hander did not allow a hit or run while striking out one. It must be said that the pitching staff for their part did their office well. Only three hits were surrendered. Nesselt was saddled with the loss. His record is now is now 4-2. Getting off on the right foot the Legends, designated as visitors, opened the scoring in the second taking an early 1-0 lead. Third baseman David Thompson doubled down the left field line with one out in the frame. He would be driven in by catcher Aramis Garcia who singled through the right side bringing Thompson home with the Legends lone run of the contest. Florida Legends third baseman David Thompson slides safely into second with a double in the second inning against the South Troy Dodgers. Thompson would go on to score Florida's lone run as the Dodgers defeated the Legends 3-1. This was the first loss for the Legends in the double elimination Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament played at Geer Field in Troy, NY. Photo: Robert de la Fe' The Dodgers quickly equaled in the bottom of the inning then took a 3-1 lead in the fourth as they scored two runs on an error, a hit batsman, a run scoring single and a sacrifice squeeze play. Still, the Legends were only two down with plenty of time to go. Sluggish offense was to be the order of the day for the Legends however. Despite amassing six hits in the game, the one hit that was necessary eluded them. The Legends loaded the bases in the sixth with two outs but all three runners were stranded. Again in the seventh Florida loaded the bases this time with one out. With the one out to lead the last frame off, center fielder Julian Santos singled to left. Right fielder Juan Gomes then doubled putting both runners in scoring position. Pinch hitter Brandon Lopez was intentionally walked to load the bases. All three would be marooned as the Dodgers brought in a reliever who registered the final two outs with a looking strikeout and a fly ball. July 9, 2010 - Legends qualify for elimination round; defeat Clippers 10-2 Florida Legends catcher Shane Rowland sending a double to left in the first inning against the World Yacht Clippers at the Plumeri Complex in Albany, NY. Rowland was 4-4 with three doubles leading the Legends to a 10-2 victory. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Timely offense coupled with gutsy pitching continued to be the order of the day for the Florida Legends at the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament in Albany, NY. By virtue of a 10-2 run rule victory over the World Yacht Clippers at the Plumeri Complex, the Legends became the first team in the tournament to qualify beyond pool play. Playing as visitors against the Clippers the Legends took an early 1-0 lead which they would never surrender. Florida broke the game open in the second with a six run frame. Posting nine hits all together the Legends sailed past the Clippers who collected three. With the victory the Legends move to 28-7-1. Lawrence Pardo took the hill for the Legends to start hostilities. The left hander went the first three innings doing enough to get by on allowing two runs while striking out five. Pardo gave way to Jason Webb in the fourth. Webb effectively took the wind out of the Clipper's sails. The fellow southpaw went the final three allowing two hits, both singles while striking out three. Webb was credited with the victory for his first win of the year. His record now stands at 1-0. Going the other way with it. Florida Legends first baseman Ozney Guillen singles to left driving in the first run of the game against the World Yacht Clippers. Guillen was 2-3 with a triple. The game, played at the Plumeri Complex in Albany, NY was won by the Legends 10-2. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Getting started early and setting the pace of the game Legends catcher Shane Rowland doubled to left with one out in the first inning for the first hit of the game. The double would be a reoccurring theme during the contest. He was driven in by first baseman Ozney Guillen who sent a 1-0 pitch the other way with a single to left. Leading 1-0 the Legends sent 11 batsmen to the plate in the second plating six runs to pull away. The highlight of the frame was a two run triple to right center off the bat of second baseman David Vazquez. Leading 7-2 the Legends settled matters in the sixth with a three run inning. Right fielder Juan Gomes started the frame off being awarded a base on balls. Gomes stole second and was driven in by Rowland who doubled to left. Rowland finished the afternoon going 4-4 with three doubles, three RBIs and three runs scored. Rowland was himself driven in by Guillen who tripled to right and then scored on a wild pitch. The run by Guillen gave the Legends the required eight run differential after five innings to end the game. Joining Rowland in the hit parade Guillen was 2-3 with two RBIs. Julian Loret de Mola who entered the game in the fourth was 1-2. The one hit was a laser guided missile that hit the left field fence on a line in the fifth for a double. Having already qualified for the next round the Legends must now await the outcome of other tournament games to determine who their next opponent will be. Florida Legends Jason Webb delivering home against the World Yacht Clippers at the Plumeri Complex in Albany, NY. Webb pitched three innings in relief striking out three to pick up the victory. The Legends won the contest 10-2. Photo: Robert de la Fe' July 9, 2010 - Legends pitching no-hits Maroons in second game of pool play Florida Legends Dominic Laporte delivers home against the Kalamazoo Maroons at the Plumeri Complex in Albany, NY. Laporte, the winning pitcher went five innings striking out five in a dominating performance. The Legends no-hit the Maroons as Florida won the contest 8-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' In an overwhelmingly dominant performance the Florida Legends no-hit the Kalamazoo Maroons defensively while ending the game early by run rule in the sixth 8-0. This was the second pool game of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament played at the Plumeri Complex in Albany, NY for the Legends who are now 2-0 in pool play. Taking a 2-0 lead in the third the Legends, designated as home team, added two more in the fourth, three in the fifth and one in the sixth to run away with the contest. With the win Florida now stands at 27-7-1. Dominic Laporte gave the Legends five solid innings from the hill. The right hander did not allow a hit while striking out five. Fighting off some early control jitters Laporte worked around two basses on balls in the first stranding both runners. Kalamazoo did not have another base runner until the fifth inning where again, two base runners who reached via bases on balls were marooned. Julian Loret de Mola relieved Laporte in the sixth. The fellow right hander had a 1-2-3 inning retiring the Maroons in order. The pitching tandem helped by their defense that played error less ball combined for a no-hitter. In a New York state of mind. Florida Legends third baseman David Thompson sends the first pitch he sees in the fifth inning over the fence in left for a three run homer. The round tripper was the offensive highlight of an 8-0 no-hit victory over the Kalamazoo Maroons at the Plumeri Complex in Albany, NY. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Offensively the Legends took a 2-0 lead in the third and never looked back. Second baseman David Vazquez singled to center on an 0-1 pitch bringing home Jack Lopez and Jan Gomes who had earlier reached on a fielding error and base on balls respectively. Leading 4-0 in the fifth the Legends distanced themselves with three runs all at once. Third baseman David Thompson sent the first offering he saw in his at bat over the fence in left for a three run round tripper. Now up 7-0 the game ended with one out in the sixth by the eight run rule. Shortstop Jack Lopez started the inning off sending the first pitch he saw into left center for a triple. Three bases on balls later Lopez touched the plate ending the game. Closing the deal out. Florida Legends Julian Loret de Mola closing against the Kalamazoo Maroons at the Plumeri Complex in Albany, NY. Loret de Mola, who retired the side in order in the sixth, teamed with fellow Legends pitcher Dominic Laporte for a no-hitter. Florida won the contest 8-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' July 8, 2010 - Legends defeat Mudhens in first game of pool play at CMWS Qualifier Florida Legends second baseman David Vazquez doubles down the left field line in the third against the Northeast Mud Hens in the opening game of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament. Vazquez would come around to score what would be the game winning run. The Legends won the contest, which was played at the Plumeri Complex in Albany, NY, 3-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Without a doubt the playing field at the Plumeri Complex in Albany, NY is a handsome facility. That was where the Florida Legends playing as hosts met the Northeast Mud Hens in the opening game of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament. It's the address that might raise an eyebrow or cause a grin. The park is on Frisbee Avenue. Yet that name which automatically congers the thought of a flying disc, brings an accurate description of the Legend's performance. Receiving a solid outing from pitcher Alex Gonzalez Florida sailed to a 3-1 victory. The Legends now stand at 26-7-1. Gonzalez went six innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. The right hander set the pace of the game with a looking strikeout of the Mud Hens lead off batter. Two ground balls to second baseman David Vazquez had the Legends in the dugout after 13 pitches. Gonzalez had very good control throughout his tenure. Only one base on balls was issued to the Mud Hens while Gonzalez was on the hill. The one run surrendered by the Legends brought back the Frisbee analogy. A cutter thrown by Gonzalez took catcher Shane Rowland's glove off. The ball inside the glove went gliding airborne to the backstop. A Mud Hen runner that was on third was able to score on the passed ball. Julian Loret de Mola relieved Gonzalez in the seventh. Loret de Mola was not as sharp as he had been in his recent outings. The right hander issued two bases on balls. Yet he also struck out a like number, two including the last out of the game. Gonzalez raised his record to 5-1. Loret de Mola picked up his second save of the year. Florida Legends shortstop Jack Lopez rips a triple against the Northeast Mud Hens in the opening game of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament. Lopez was 1-2 at the bat and had four assists defensively in the game which was played at the Plumeri Complex in Albany, NY. The Legends won the contest 3-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Down 1-0 in the third as the Mud Hens had scored in the second, the Legends who had been tight at the bat until then took advantage of an error. Rowland reached safely on a fielding miscue. Vazquez followed lining a 2-2 pitch down the left field line for a double putting two runners in scoring position. This was the Legends second threat of the game. Florida had left the bases full in the second. No such fate awaited the base runners this frame however. First baseman Ozney Guillen took a 2-2 pitch the other way depositing the ball in left. The hit plated both runners giving Florida a lead they would never relinquish. The Legends added one more run for insurance purposes in the fourth. Center fielder Julian Santos batting at the bottom of the order scored from second on a hit through the right side from the bat of right fielder Juan Gomes. Florida collected five hits in all. Two of which were for extra bases. Adding to the double by Vazquez, shortstop Jack Lopez tripled to left. Florida Legends pitcher Alex Gonzalez delivering home against the Northeast Mud Hens during the opening game of the Connie Mack Qualifier Tournament. Gonzalez claimed the win going six innings allowing two hits while striking out eight at the Plumeri Complex in Albany, NY. The Legends margin of victory was 3-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' July 7, 2010 - Legends arrive in New York; ready to take on challenge of 4-peat. The glitz and glamour of The Big Apple. The bright lights of Times Sqaure. The talent on Broadway and the spectacular view from the Empire State Building. All that this city has to offer can be breathtaking, but for the Florida Legends, it's that time of year again. Since the Legends' establishment in 2007, there has been one thing in common every July and that is winning, and winning in the great state of New York. Vying for their fourth straight Connie Mack World Series New York Qualifier title and bid to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, NM, The Florida Legends know that they have a tough road ahead of them. Twenty Teams go to battle, and only one will move on. The NY Qualifier features some great summer baseball programs in the Northeastern region of the United States such as the South Troy Dodgers and the Connecticut Bombers and also features some other great baseball programs from around the country. The 2010 Legends roster featured 14 players that were taken in the 2010 MLB Draft and has a strong and talented core of underclassmen as well. Talent is great but it won't get the job done though. So what will help the Legends win in Troy, New York in 2010? Expierence. For the Legends' coaching trio consisting of Assistant Coaches John Hyduk and Angel Herrera and Head Coach Carlos Marti, winning in New York has become a habit. The last 3 stays for the Legends in New York have all resulted in a pile-up and a ticket to the Connie Mack World Series, this year should be no different. Coach Hyduk, Herrera, and Marti put in a tremendous amount of hardwork day in and day out, recruiting top baseball talent, teaching fundamentals of the game of baseball, and teaching players about life as well. To win in New York in 2010, will not only give the Legends a 4-peat of the NY Qualifier title, but will also take them back to Farmington, where the Legends coaching trio hope that 2010 is finally the year. Falling short of the Connie Mack National Crown in 2009, Hyduk, Herrera and Marti will do whatever it takes to get over the hump in 2010 and add a National Championship to their illustrious coaching careers. July 2, 2010 - Jackson impressive as Legends defeat Storm 2-1 The Force is strong with this one. Florida Legends pitcher Luke Jackson in his delivery home against the Homestead Storm at Robbie Smith Field. Although not figuring in the decision Jackson pitched very well in his Legends debut going four innings allowing one hit while striking out six. The Legends won the contest 2-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Nothing complicated here. This was simple to understand. Two teams, the Homestead Storm designated as visitors and the Florida Legends. Two balls clubs that had already faced each other five times this year met once again under threatening skies at Robbie Smith Field. Afterward, the contest was not difficult to analyze. Easy enough, this was an old fashioned pitcher's duel. No hyperbole involved. Although the term is sometimes used to describe a boring non offensive game, that was not the case here. Both sides were represented well from the hill. Offensively the Storm bats mustered three hits. The Legends only slightly better with four. In the end result however, the one hit was the difference. Florida scored in the first and took the 1-0 lead into the sixth when Homestead equaled. The Legends manufactured a run in the bottom of the sixth to break the one all tie and then held on for a 2-1 victory. With the win Florida improves to 21-7-1. Starting Florida pitcher Luke Jackson made an impressive debut as a Legend. The right hander went four innings allowing only one hit. That being a bloop single over the head of second baseman David Vazquez and just in front of diving right fielder Juan Gomes. The ball fell in between the both of them with Vazquez almost making a spectacular play. Jackson issued one base on balls while striking out six. After his departure Julian Loret de Mola came in relief. Loret de Mola turned in his best outing to date. Pitching two innings the right hander struck out three allowing only one hit. That one hit however, only the second of the game for the Storm, was a home run in the sixth bringing the game even. After the Legends had retaken the lead in the bottom of the frame, Andrew Grifol entered in a save situation. Grifol had an interesting seventh inning that saw a hit batsman, a hit and a fielder's choice that never left the infield to load the bases with only one out. That out being an adventure as Noel Cuevas made a diving catch in right field. Grifol then hunkered down and threw two successive looking strikeouts to end the game with the sacks jammed. Loret de Mola (1-0) was the pitcher of record. He was credited with his first victory as a Legend. Grifol picked up his first save of the year. Florida Legends first baseman Lawrence Pardo stretches to record the first out of the second inning against the Homestead Storm at Robbie Smith Field. The Legends took the pitcher's duel 2-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Center fielder Julian Santos got the Legends attack started with one out in the first on a first pitch textbook bunt single. Santos pushed the ball past the pitcher in the direction of the second baseman. He then stole second to get himself in scoring position. Vazquez lined an 0-1 offering into center driving Santos home with the first run of the game. That would be the last hit for either side until the fourth. Santos tripled to right to start the inning but was marooned keeping it a 1-0 Florida lead at the time. After Homestead equalized in the sixth, Brandon Lopez led the bottom of the frame off for the Legends lining a 1-1 pitch to left. With hits coming few and far between the Legends resorted to other tactics. Lopez stole second with two outs causing havoc on the base path. The throw from the Storm catcher sailed high and into center field. Taking third on the errant throw Lopez then raced home when the ball eluded the Storm center fielder. Both Legends runs had come in a defensive struggle by running at the right moment. Florida Legends pitcher Julian Loret de Mola offers home against the Homestead Storm at Robbie Smith Field. The pitcher of record, Loret de Mola went two innings allowing one run on one hit while striking out three to pick up his first victory as a Legend. Florida won the hard fought pitcher's duel 2-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' July 1, 2010 - Nationals down Legends 5-4 in extras Florida Legends David Vazquez sending a double to right center in the second inning against the Broward Nationals at American High School. Vazquez was 2-4 with two runs scored playing both at second base and left field. The Nationals won the contest 5-4 in 10 innings. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Viewed from the opinion of the Florida Legends, this was a disjointed performance on their part. On the other hand, from the point of view of their opponents, the Broward Nationals, there was some very timely hitting in this contest. The Nationals were only able to obtain four hits in this 10 inning game. Two of them drove in three runs however. The Legends picked up 10 hits but not in any particular order. The end result was an extra inning 5-4 Nationals victory at American High School. With the loss the Legends now stand at 21-7-1. Legends starting pitcher Jimmy Nesselt went five innings striking out three and only allowing one hit. That one hit was a two run double in the fifth giving the Nationals a 2-1 lead at that time. In came Dayan Rodriguez to relieve in the sixth. Rodriguez pitched two scoreless innings retiring the side in order both frames while striking out three. The Legends were able to score two during his tenure to retake the lead. Andrew Grifol entered the game in the eighth in a save situation but was unable to hold. The Nationals scored two runs with two outs in the ninth to send the game into the tenth. Julian Ovalle hit the first batter he faced in the tenth on his second pitch. Not a good omen. A base on balls and an infield hit on a bunt loaded the bases without an out. A wild pitch would bring home a Nationals run end the game. Ovalle, who was charged with the loss is now 2-1. Florida Legends left fielder Brandon Webb successfully executing a bunt for a base hit against the Broward Nationals. Webb was 2-3 with a run scored. The Nationals won the 10 inning affair played at American High School 5-4. Photo: Robert de la Fe' David Vazquez got the Legends on the scoreboard in the second inning as he doubled to right center with the first hit of the game. Reaching third on a ground out, he was driven home by a sacrifice fly to left off the bat of catcher Aramis Garcia. After the second inning where the Legends collected three hits in all, it was a rather ho-hum offensive output from that point on. A hit here, a hit there but nothing put together. Down 2-1 in the sixth, the Legends equaled as Garcia was issued a bases loaded base on balls. Julian Santos who had been given a free pass himself to start the inning came home. With one out in the seventh Jason Webb singled to right. He was moved into scoring position by a single to left off the bat of Julian Loret De Mola. Both of them were moved 90 feet by Jack Lopez who laid down a successful sacrifice bunt. Webb would then score on a wild pitch. Now up 3-2 the Legends plated one more in the eighth. Vazquez was awarded a base on balls with one out. He was driven in by David Thompson who doubled to left field giving the Legends a 4-2. It was not to last. Webb and Loret De Mola were both 2-3 to lead the Legends. Vazquez was 2-4 with a double and run scored Florida Legends David Thompson drives in a run with a double to left in the eighth inning against the Broward Nationals at American High School. Broward won th extra inning contest 5-4 in the tenth. Photo: Robert de la Fe' June 26, 2010 - Legends continue offensive tear; sweep Saturday Doubleheader vs. Broward Nationals Ouch! Despite wearing a protective wrapping Florida Legends Shane Rowland is still hit by pitch in the ankle during a second game of a double header against the Broward Nationals. Rowland was able to recover and continue. The contest, played at American High School, was won by the Legends 11-1 to sweep the twin bill. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Hard to believe from looking at the final score but the Florida Legends were slow starters in this game. Playing as the home team against the Broward Nationals in the second game of a double header at American High School the Legends actually trailed 1-0 after the first inning. That was when the bats came out. Highlighted by a six run second inning the Legends offense stormed out to a 12 hit attack. The game ended 11-1 without an out in the fifth inning as a walk off home run gave the pinstriped boys in blue a knock out victory. With the win the Legends swept the twin bill. Florida's record now stands at 21-6-1. After the Nationals scored a first inning run the Legends managed to put two runners on base in the bottom of the frame but failed to score. Center fielder Julian Santos led off with a double to center then stole third. Shane Rowland was hit by pitch putting him on. Both would be marooned. Then came the second inning. A different story altogether. The Legends sent ten batsmen to the plate connecting for six hits and five runs. The inning was highlighted by run scoring doubles off the bats of catcher Juan Gomes, Santos with his second two bagger in as many innings and first baseman Lawrence Pardo. The Legends added two more in the third in what seemed to be a continuation of the preceding frame. Right fielder Ozney Guillen led off with a double to left center. He was driven in by Gomes who singled to right and took second on the throw. Gomes would later score on a wild pitch. Florida Legends Dayan Rodriguez closing out the second game of a double header against the Broward Nationals. Florida won the night cap 11-1 to sweep the twin bill played at American High School. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Now leading 8-1 Florida went looking for more. Leading off the fourth Santos doubled to left. He would eventually score the Legends ninth run of the contest. Designated hitter David Thompson led off the fifth reaching safely on a fielding error. Following at the bat Noel Cuevas, who had entered the game in center field at the start of the inning, sent a 2-2 pitch over the fence in left for a two run homer ending the game. Santos led the hit parade going 3-3 with three doubles, two runs scored and an RBI. Guillen and Gomes were both 2-2 with a double and two runs scored apiece. Gomes added an RBI. With plenty to go around for everyone, Pardo was 2-3 with a double, run scored and an RBI. Dylan Hathcock was credited with the victory going four innings striking out four. Hathcock was helped by his defense as he benefited from two double plays. He now stands at 1-0. Dayan Rodriguez came into the game in relief and made very short work of the fifth inning. The right hander retired the side in order on seven pitches. June 26, 2010 - Legends down Nationals 8-4 Head down and in mid swing Florida Legends first baseman Ozney Guillen singles through the right side. The hit drove in the first run of the game in the second inning against the Broward Nationals at American High School. The contest, first of a double header, was won by the Legends 8-4. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Receiving an outstanding pitching performance from Alex Gonzalez and more than enough help from their offense the Florida Legends defeated the Broward Nationals 8-4. The game, first of a double header, was played at American High School. Taking an early 2-0 lead in the second the visiting Legends distanced the lead in the fourth with a four run inning. Stopping a late seventh inning rally by the Nationals, Legends left fielder Jason Webb caught a fly ball for the third out in the final frame where Broward left the bases full. With the victory Florida improves to 20-6-1 on the year. Gonzalez put in a good day's work with five strong innings. The right hander allowed four hits, all singles. Three of the hits Gonzalez gave up came in the fourth inning. The Nationals managed to load the bases but could only come away with one run. Gonzalez struck out eight during his tenure on the hill. Jack Lopez entered the game relieving Gonzalez in the sixth. The right hander struck out two in his inning of work. Alex Lavandro closed the game for the Legends. Lavandro got himself in a bit of trouble issuing three bases on balls and hitting a batsman. A throwing error complicated matters allowing two unearned runs but the Legends were able to work their way out of any further damage. Gonzalez improved his record to 3-1 on the year. My name is Jack. Florida Legends Jack Lopez pitching in relief against the Broward Nationals at American High School. Lopez pitched the sixth inning striking out two. the game, first of a double header was won by the Legends 8-4. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Opening the scoring in the second the Legends led all the way. Center fielder Noel Cuevas started off the inning with a hit to right. Third baseman David Thompson was then issued a base on balls. Successive hits by first baseman Ozney Guillen and second baseman David Vazquez plated both Cuevas and Thompson for the early 2-0 lead. The fourth inning was highlighted by four Legends runs. The big blow coming off the bat of Juan Gomes who singled to center then took second on the throw driving Thompson and Vazquez in. Gomes strolled home on a bases loaded base on balls awarded to shortstop Brandon Lopez. The Legends gathered eight hits in all. Cuevas and Guillen led the way both going 2-4. Broward collected five hits. June 25, 2010 - Legends sweep twin bill from Broward Nationals Sending the pitch the other way Florida Legends Brandon Lopez doubles to right in the third inning against the Broward Nationals. The night cap of a double header played at Miramar Regional was won by the Legends 7-2 as Florida swept the twin bill. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Baseballs continued to fly at Miramar Regional Park. After hitting two home runs in the first game of a double header the Florida Legends turned around and hit three more in the night cap. Florida collected eight hits in total in defeating the Broward Nationals 7-2 sweeping the twin bill. The game for its majority was closer than the final score would indicate. Leading 3-2 through five the Legends as home team distanced themselves in the sixth with a four run inning. With the victory Florida improves on the year to 19-6-1. Julian Ovalle went five innings to pick up his second victory of the year improving to 2-0. The right hander allowed four hits, all singles, gave up one earned run while striking out six. Jason Webb who had come into the game in right field in the fifth, moved to the pitcher's mound in the sixth and went the final two innings. Webb, a southpaw, allowed one hit, a single, while striking out two. Flying the friendly skies. Florida Legends right fielder Lawrence Pardo homers to right against the Broward Nationals in the night cap of a double header played at Miramar Regional. The round tripper was one of three Legends home runs in the game. Florida won the contest 7-2 sweeping the twin bill. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Florida opened the scoring taking the lead in the second inning. First baseman Ozney Guillen sent a sacrifice fly to right bringing in center fielder Noel Cuevas who had been issued a base on balls to start the frame. Broward equaled in the third but the Legends retook the lead, this time for good in the bottom of the inning. With one out in the frame Brandon Lopez doubled to right on a first pitch swing. With two outs right fielder Lawrence Pardo sent a 3-1 offering over the fence in right. The two run blast was Pardo's first home run of the year. Broward added one more in the fourth bringing the score a little too close for comfort at 3-2. Florida put the game out of reach in the sixth. The inning featured two more round trippers. With one out in the frame Cuevas sent a 1-2 pitch over the fence in center. David Vazquez was then issued a base on balls. Guillen followed with a double to center putting two runners in scoring position. Third baseman David Thompson singled to left scoring Vazquez but was caught at second trying to stretch the hit into a double. Catcher Juan Gomes followed offering at the first pitch he saw and sending it over the center field fence for a two run homer. As like with Pardo, it was the first home run of the year for Gomes. Florida Legends Jason Webb offers home during the second game of a double header against the Broward Nationals. Webb picked up his first save of the year as the Legends won 7-2. Florida swept the twin bill played at Miramar Regional. Photo: Robert de la Fe' June 23, 2010 - Legends put up 17 runs in game 2; sweep doubleheader vs Powerhouse Sliding head first Florida Legends right fielder Jason Webb steals second in the first inning against the South Florida Powerhouse. Webb was 2-3 in the second game of a double header at Westminster Christian. Legends bats exploded for 15 hits as Florida won the night cap 17-1 sweeping the twin bill. Photo: Robert de la Fe' This started off exactly where the last one had ended. Continuing an offensive onslaught in the night cap of a double header against the South Florida Powerhouse, the Florida Legends shelled out 15 hits in route to a 17-1 victory. With the win the Legends swept the twin bill which was played at Westminster Christian. Playing as visitors the Legends took a 2-0 lead in the second after which the contest never seemed to be in doubt. Leading 7-1 by adding two in the third and three in the fifth, the Legends ran away with the game by sending 15 batsmen to the plate in the sixth. The pinstriped boys in blue plated 10 in the frame. With the win Florida now stands at 17-6-1 on the year. Pitcher Javier Salas took charge of the Legends defense bending but not breaking. The right hander went five innings allowing seven hits, six singles and one double but did not allow an earned run. Salas did not surrender a base on balls while striking out three. Lawrence Pardo closed out the game pitching the sixth inning and striking out two. With the victory Salas improves to 2-0. Florida Legends third baseman David Thompson at bat against the South Florida Powerhouse in the second game of a double header at Westminster Christian. Thompson singled leading off the fifth in his only official at bat. Florida won the contest 17-1 sweeping the twin bill. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Brandon Lopez was the only Legend not to have at least one hit. Even then, Lopez contributed offensively with a sacrifice fly for an RBI. Noel Cuevas who started in center field then moved to shortstop in the fifth was 2-5. His grand slam home run highlighted the sixth inning fireworks. Cuevas also homered in the first game of the double header. Another player conspicuous for his two game performance was catcher Juan Gomes who caught both games. Gomes was 3-4 with two doubles in the night cap. Gomes was also involved in, if not the best, then certainly the most entertaining defensive play of the game. This came with two outs and a runner on second in the fourth in at the time a 4-1 Legend lead. The Powerhouse runner was waived home on a hit to left. Legends left fielder Brandon Barnes made a clean pick up and fired home. The throw was on line but a bit high. Looking directly into the sun Gomes jumped up, caught the relay and went head over heals tagging the Powerhouse runner out. Florida Legends catcher Juan Gomes in action against the South Florida Powerhouse in the second game of a double header at Westminster Christian. The Legends won the contest 17-1 sweeping the twin bill. Gomes caught both games. Photo: Robert de la Fe' June 23, 2010 -Legends take game one of doubleheader vs. Powerhouse Florida Legends Ozney Guillen doubling to center in the second inning against the South Florida Powerhouse at Westminster Christian. Guillen was 2-3 with a run scored and a sacrifice fly RBI as the Legends took the first game of a double header 11-2. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Some rest is just what the doctor ordered it seems for the Florida Legends bats. After a weekend road trip was postponed the Legends offense, quiet as of late, exploded for 11 hits against the South Florida Powerhouse in the first game of a double header played at Westminster Christian. Finding out they were designated as home team at game time, the Legends took a 2-1 lead after one then stretched the advantage to 5-2 after five. Scoring three in the fifth and another trio in the sixth to pull away, the Legends won the contest 11-2. With the victory the Legends now stand at 16-6-1. Under the impression that he was the visiting pitcher until he was told to take the mound as the host, Legends Jimmy Nesselt was perhaps not properly warmed up. The right hander seemed to have trouble finding the plate at first as he issued two bases on balls to the first two Powerhouse batsmen. After a hit through the left side loaded the bases, the third base on balls of the inning brought home the first Powerhouse run. Nesselt found his control after that as it was the only earned run he allowed. Going six innings Nesselt allowed only three hits all told while striking out four. Jason Webb entered the game in the seventh and pitched a 1-2-3 final frame. Nesselt was credited with the victory. His record is now 4-1. Florida Legends second baseman Brandon Barnes at bat against the South Florida Powerhouse at Westminster Christian. Barnes was 2-3 with a run scored and two RBIs as the Legends took the first game of a double header 11-2. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Down 1-0 but not for long going to bat in the bottom of the first, Florida scored two in the frame to take a lead they would never relinquish. With one out first baseman Lawrence Pardo doubled to right center. Three pitches later on an 0-2 count, right fielder Noel Cuevas homered to left field. Now leading 2-1 the Legends added some distance to the lead in the third with a two run frame. With two outs and two on, Pardo and third baseman David Thompson who had both been awarded bases on balls, two successive hits brought in both runners. Left fielder David Vazquez doubled to right and catcher Juan Gomes singled up the middle for RBI hits. Powerhouse scored an unearned run in the fourth which the Legends got right back in the bottom of the frame. Second baseman Brandon Barnes led the frame off being issued a base on balls. He was sacrificed into scoring position by shortstop Brandon Lopez. Cuevas then hit the opposite way sending a grounder through the right side scoring Barnes who finished the game 2-3 with two RBIs. Cuevas was 2-3 with three RBIs. A three run fifth was highlighted by the second double of the game off the bat of David Vazquez. The left fielder was 2-4 with two runs scored. With the game already out of reach the Legends added three more in the sixth making this one a no doubter. Designated hitter Ozney Guillen finished 2-3 with a double, run scored and an RBI sacrifice fly. Sending the ball the other way Florida Legends right fielder Noel Cuevas singles through the right side against the South Florida Powerhouse. Cuevas was 2-3 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs. The Legends took the first game of a double header played at Westminster Christian 11-2. Photo: Robert de la Fe' June 16, 2010 - Legends, Explorers draw even with 5-5 tie in game 2 of doubleheader Florida Legends third baseman David Thompson at bat against the Columbus Explorers during the second game of a double header at Explorer Field. Thompson was 2-4 and scored twice as the Legends and Explorers drew to a 5-5 tie after seven innings. Photo: Robert de la Fe' A draw. A tie. Even Steven. Seen quite often in some sports but not exactly an everyday baseball occurrence. That is how the second game of a double header between the Florida Legends and the Columbus Explorers at Explorer Field turned out however. The visiting Legends and home standing Explorers settled for a 5-5 tie after seven innings. The two hour time limit on the game having run out. Starting in 92 degree game time temperature and getting hotter, the contest saw the Legends take a 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Explorers drew even in the bottom of the frame. Scoring one in the second and another in the third the Legends took a 4-2 lead into the sixth inning. There with two outs the Explorers scored three to take a 5-4 lead going into the seventh. Florida plated one in the top of the seventh then got a 1-2-3 bottom of the inning to secure the draw. With the tie the Legends now stand at 15-6-1. Starting the game with two outs on four pitches the Legends rallied in the first scoring two runs on three consecutive hits. Left fielder Noel Cuevas reached on an infield single then stole second. Following at the bat third baseman David Thompson singled through the left side bringing Cuevas home. Thompson then took second on the throw and stole third all on the same play as the Explorers paid no attention to him. He was driven home by a base hit to center by right fielder Juan Gomes. Columbus quickly equalized in the bottom of the frame. The Legends retook the lead in the second again displaying some timely hitting with two outs. First baseman Lawrence Pardo singled to left then stole second. Legends lead off and center fielder Julian Santos then doubled to center scoring Pardo. The Legends would add to their lead in the third in an other than normal inning. With one out Thompson struck out but reached first on a wild pitch. A balk moved him to second from where he would score an unearned run on a fielding error. Florida Legends catcher Julian Loret De Mola making contact during the second game of a double header against the Columbus Explorers at Explorer Field. Loret De Mola caught both games of the twin bill. Photo: Robert de la Fe' So stood the situation until the bottom of the sixth. With two outs and a runner on the Explorers put together two bases on balls followed by two base hits, both singles, to score three runs. This was the third lead change of the game and it gave the Legends just one inning, three outs, of life left. Santos led off the seventh with his second double to center of the game. Shortstop Manny Machado followed with a hit to right putting Santos in scoring position. Cuevas then hit into a 6-3 double play but Santos came across with the late inning equalizer. Pardo moved from first to the pitcher's mound in the bottom of the inning. He retired the Explorers in order striking out the first two batters bringing the game to a close. The Legends were able to make contact collecting 10 hits all told. Santos was 2-4 with two doubles a run scored and an RBI. Cuevas and Thompson were also both 2-4. Both batsmen getting two singles apiece. Columbus managed three hits. One in the first off starter Alex Lavandero who despite a shaky start allowing the two first inning runs, pitched well otherwise. The right hander pitched three innings striking out five. June 16, 2010 - Legends pitch another shutout in 8-0 victory over Columbus Florida Legends Andrew Grifol in action against the Columbus Explorers at Explorer Field during the first game of a double header. Grifol pitched five shutout innings in the Legends 7-0 victory. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Braving the Miami sub tropical climate with the temperature already climbing in the mid morning to triple digits, heat index included, the Florida Legends took an almost instant two run lead in the first inning against the Columbus Explorers. The Legends pulled away with a five run fifth for a 7-0 victory at Explorer Field. The game was the first of a mid week double header. The shutout, eighth of the year for the Legends pitching staff, raised Florida's record to 15-6. Andrew Grifol turned in a strong five inning performance from the hill. The left hander allowed allowed four hits, all singles while striking out three. Grifol had success in pitching away from the, with one exception, right handed hitting Explorers. Of the 15 outs he was responsible for six were assisted by Legends second baseman Brandon Lopez. Showing good control Grifol induced 13 ground outs and one pop up. The only flighted ball was to the last batter he faced. A fly out to right fielder Juan Gomes to end the fifth inning. Brandon Lopez moved from second base to the hill in the sixth inning and closed the game. Lopez allowed two hits while striking out one. The contest ended after six innings because of time limit. Setting the pace from the start Florida Legends lead off hitter Julian Santos tripled to start the game. The center fielder scored the first run of the contest against the Columbus Explorers at Explorer Field. The Legends went on to win the first game of a double header 7-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Hitting the ground running Florida took a 2-0 first inning lead as the first two Legends batters scored. Left fielder Julian Santos led the game off with a triple to left center. He would score on a wild pitch. Following at the bat third baseman Shane Rowland was awarded a full count base on balls. We would eventually come around and score on a fielding error. Holding on to the by no means secure lead Florida put the game out of reach in the fourth with a five run inning. The Legends would send 11 batsmen to the plate. Gomes led the frame off with a single up the middle. He stole second and was driven home by catcher Julian Loret De Mola . Lopez followed with a hit to keep the rally going. Helping his own cause Grifol singled and drove in a run. Rowland scored his second run of the game as he was forced home when Gomes in his second at bat of the inning was hit by pitch with the bases loaded. Gomes led the Legends attack going 2-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Florida amassed nine hits in total. Columbus collected six. June 15, 2010 - South Florida Elite defeat Legends in 9th inning Florida Legends catcher Shane Rowland putting the ball in play against the South Florida Elite 18 at Broward College. Rowland was 2-4 with a double. The nine inning game was won by the Elite 18, 3-2. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Baseball was not played in the Roman empire as the game had not yet come into being in the time of the Caesars. Yet if it had been the Roman fans would have left the Coliseum after a game such as the one the visiting Florida Legends played against the South Florida Elite 18 at Broward College with puzzled looks on their faces. Their arms stretched outwards palms up with their heads leaning to one side as they might have said to each other in Latin: "Non sequitur." It does not follow. After two solid offensive outings the Legends bats came out with a lackluster performance against the Elite 18. Finding no consistency of any kind the Florida offense was never in rhythm. Almost sleepwalking through parts of the nine inning game the Legends dropped the contest 3-2. With the loss the Legends are now 14-6. For their part, the Legends pitching staff had a solid outing. Starter Dayan Rodriguez went a quality five innings. The right hander allowed three hits while striking out four. Rodriguez left the game having given up one earned run yet with no support he left the game with no chance of winning. Dominic Laporte entered in relief and pitched a scoreless two innings. After allowing a base hit up the middle to the first batter he faced, Laporte struck out the side in the sixth. Alex Gonzalez, the third Legends pitcher of the afternoon, took to the hill in the eighth. Gonzalez had a 1-2-3 inning. A base on balls to the lead off batter in the ninth would be the Legends undoing. The runner was sacrificed to second. After an intentional base on balls, a wild pitch and another intentional pass, a fielder's choice bouncer to shortstop brought the Elite runner home ending the contest. Two earned runs in a nine inning game was what the trio of Legends pitchers had surrendered. As the Romans might have said: "Bonus satis." Good enough. But with the Legends bats in the doldrums, the sturdy pitching effort was laid to waste. Gonzalez was charged with the loss. He is now 2-1 on the year. Florida Legends pitcher Dominic Laporte in mid delivery against the South Florida Elite 18 at Broward College. Laporte pitched two scoreless innings in relief striking three. Despite a good outing by the Legends staff, the Florida offense was lackluster. South Florida won the nine inning contest 3-2. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Losing 2-0 in the fourth and up to that time with one hit to their credit, the Legends managed to pull a run back. With one out shortstop Manny Machado was issued a four pitch base on balls. Machado reached second on a failed pick off attempt. From there first baseman Aramis Garcia singled to center with two outs bringing Machado home. The score stood at 2-1 until the ninth inning. Center fielder Noel Cuevas reached on a fielder's choice with two outs and took second on a throwing error. Garcia again singled, this time up the middle to drive in his second run of the game scoring Cuevas with the equalizing run. Garcia was 2-4 with two RBIs. Catcher Shane Rowland was also 2-4 with a double. The duo of Garcia and Rowland produced four hits. Now for the bad news, the rest of the team combined had three. Only in the eighth did the Legends manage two hits in one inning. Lawrence Pardo and Brandon Webb had back to back singles with one out in the frame but but both were marooned. June 13, 2010 - Legends pitching 1-hits SWFL Having an immediate impact Noel Cuevas singles to left in his first at bat as a Florida Legend. Cuevas was 1-3 with a sacrifice fly RBI and a stolen base against SWFL at F. I. U. Stadium in his Legends debut. He also initiated two double plays from right field. Photo: Robert de la Fe' For once the score is not misleading. Facing South West Florida Baseball, a team with no mascot and known by its acronym, SWFL, the Legends received an overwhelming pitching performance. The final outcome of the Sunday morning game at FIU Stadium accurately depicts the flow of the game. Legends 7-SWFL 0. The shutout was the seventh of the year for the Legends who now stand at 14-5. Florida used a trio of pitchers who collectively gave up one hit, a single off starter Jimmy Nesselt in the second. Nesselt went the first four innings striking out six. He was relieved in the fifth by Alex Lavandero who pitched two scoreless innings striking out two. Andrew Grifol closed the game with a 1-2-3 seventh inning. Playing as visitors Nesselt seemed to be in a hurry. He struck out the side, all swinging in the first on 13 pitches. After a one pitch, one out start to the second, Nesselt gave up a single to right. That was the only SWFL unstoppable of the morning. Even then, the inning would be short work. The now runner at first took off on a fly ball to right which made for an easy double play from right fielder Noel Cuevas in his Legends debut to first baseman David Vazquez. Nesselt had gotten out of the second inning on six pitches. Very efficient as well as economical, the right hander struck out the side in the third also. Nesselt was credited with the victory. His record on the year is 3-1. A short kiss goodbye. Florida Legends catcher Aramis Garcia sent a 1-2 pitch over the left field wall in the sixth inning at F. I. U. Stadium against SWFL. It was Garcia's first home run as a Legend. Florida won the game 7-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Scoring three runs in the second, the Legends pulled away with another run in the fourth, two more in the fifth. The final run scored in the sixth came by way of a home run to left off the bat of catcher Aramis Garcia. It was the first round tripper as a Legend for the Florida receptor. Cuevas had a memorable first game in Legends pinstripes. The right handed batsman went 1-3 with an RBI sacrifice fly and a stolen base. Cuevas was robbed of another hit as the SWFL shortstop made an excellent play on a liner in the third. Adding to the rare assist on a double play for an outfielder already mentioned in the second, Cuevas initiated a carbon copy in the fifth giving him assists from the outfield on two double pays in the same game. That game being his first in a Legends uniform. Leading the offensive charge was Manny Machado who went 3-4 with a double, RBI and run scored. In all the Legends shelled out 12 hits. June 12, 2010 - Machado's triple helps Legends come back victory vs Team Mizuno Florida Legends left fielder Albert Almora putting the ball in play against Team Mizuno at F. I. U. Stadium. Almora singled in the fifth breaking up a no hit bid and scored the tying run in a come from behind 4-2 Legends win. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Only time will tell exactly how far this 2010 edition of the Florida Legends will go. When all is said and done however, when the analysts, historians and story tellers dissect every play, throw, catch, swing, every at bat down to the individual pitch by pitch selection, this game will perhaps be seen as a major stepping stone for the pinstriped boys in blue. Facing a very good Florida Travel Baseball (FTB) Mizuno team the different abstract aspects that make up a team rather than nine talented individuals came together. Behind 2-0 and up to that point being no-hit at FIU Stadium, the Legends came from behind to equalize in the fifth. Displaying a defense at times sparkled with brilliance in a holistic rather than individual sense, the Legends held firm. The bats although slow in starting did their part when it counted most. Florida managed only four hits all told. Two of them however were for extra bases in a two run seventh as the Legends won a hard fought contest 4-2. With the victory the Legends move to 13-5 on the year. Perhaps the best indication of the team effort exhibited was the contribution by the pitching staff. Four different pitchers were used by the Legends. Each with a particular role as the situation demanded. All four Legends pitchers did their office well accomplishing what was asked of them.. With the Legends playing as visitors starter Brian Radziewski did his best to get Florida out of the 93 degrees game time temperature and back into the shade of the dugout as soon as possible. After the Legends went down in order in the top of the first on 12 pitches Radziewski returned the favor doing even better with a six pitch 1-2-3 bottom of the frame. Team Mizuno had the first runner of the game in the form of a lead off bases on balls to start the second. He was erased one pitch later as a nifty move from Radziewski to first baseman Lawrence Pardo caught the runner leaning. The Legends worked their way around an error bringing the inning to a close. Still in a scoreless tie Team Mizuno came with a threat in the third. The FTB lead off in the frame smacked the first hit of the game in the form of a double to left center then stole third. A runner 90 feet away and no outs. Radziewski bared down and induced two strike outs the first one looking. A fly to Juan Gomes in right stranded the runner and ended the inning. Mizuno finally broke through opening the scoring in the fourth. With two outs and two runners in scoring position the Legends were one pitch away from getting out of a jam. A hit up the middle however had other ideas scoring two runs for Team Mizuno. Up 2-0 and looking for more with a runner on second the Legends went to their bull pen bringing in left handed Andrew Grifol. His immediate mission, to stop the bleeding. Grifol accomplished that on one pitch, a fly to Gomes in right ending the inning. Florida Legends catcher Shane Rowland at his station against Team Mizuno at F. I. U. Stadium. Rowland caught four Legends pitchers in a come from behind 4-2 Legends victory. Offensively Rowland smacked a double to start the seventh and scored the game winning run. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Down 2-0 without a hit and with two out in the fifth a turning point in the game occurred changing momentum in favor of the Legends. Gomes was awarded a four pitch base on balls. He became only the second Florida base runner of the game. Following at the bat left fielder Albert Almora offered at the first pitch he saw and sent the first hit of the game for the Legends into left field. With runners on first and second Julian Loret De Mola then made solid contact sending a line hit to center scoring Gomes and advancing Almora to third. All of a sudden, a break. Having received the cut off the Mizuno shortstop tried his luck at catching Loret De Mola napping at first. Loret De Mola who was not more than a few steps off first had the ball hit him in the back of the helmet. As the ball rebounded into foul territory in right field Almora jogged home with the tying run. A perhaps season defining moment happened in the bottom of the sixth. The Lead off Mizuno batter was hit by pitch. Logically, late in a tie game, Mizuno bunted. The result was an excellent sacrifice that had at first all the looks of a base hit. The ball was pushed to the second baseman position. Grifol who seemed to slip made a diving attempt off the mound but to no avail. Coming to the defensive rescue Andre Martinez who had entered at first base in the fifth pounced on the ball and threw to second baseman Brandon Barnes who had also entered in the fifth for the put out at first. True, Mizuno had accomplished their objective, a successful sacrifice. True, a runner was now in scoring position. Those analysts, historians and story tellers will note in the Legends favor however that Zeitgeist, that which brings the forces of time and history together, had at that moment, perhaps paid the Legends a visit. Two players who had not started the game had combined to get an out where one was at first not apparent. Having faced the first two batters of the inning who were left handed, Grifol was lifted in favor of right handed Javier Salas to face right handed batters. The right move at the right time. The runner would be stranded at third. Caption: On his horse and giving the umpire a run for his money Florida Legends shortstop Manny Machado races into third during the seventh inning against Team Mizuno at F. I. U. Stadium. The triple by Machado drove in the game winning run as the Legends came from behind to win 4-2. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Leading off the top of the seventh in the 2-2 draw, catcher Shane Rowland was first pitch swinging. Rowland doubled to left. Shortstop Manny Machado who up to that point was having a quiet afternoon got loud. Machado sent a 2-0 pitch past the left fielder for a run scoring triple. Jason Webb who had entered the game in right during the fifth inning flighted a ball to his counterpart scoring Machado on the sacrifice. Going into the bottom of the seventh it was now a 4-2 Florida lead. Andres Perez-Lobo came in from the bull pen to close the game. It would not be as easy as that though. The lead off Mizuno batter reached on an infield single. The next batter hit a blooper to right. Webb made a diving catch robbing Mizuno of a hit and giving the Legends the first out of the inning. Zeitgeist might have stuck around and happened to be in right field at the time. Mizuno made it more interesting than the Legends would have liked loading the bases but a pop up to Jack Lopez at third ended the game. More impressive than just the win was the way the Legends had won. A total team effort. Starting pitching, the bull pen, offense, defense, reserve players, all had a part in the victory. Javier Salas was credited with the win. He is now 1-0 on the year. Perez-Lobo picked up his second save of the year. June 11, 2010 - Brandon Bullets defeat Legends 5-2 Florida Legends left fielder Jason Webb at bat against the Brandon Bullets at F. I. U. Stadium. Webb was 1-2 with an RBI in the 5-2 Legends loss. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Hits were plentiful but runs hard to come by. The Florida Legends collected nine hits against the Brandon Bullets at FIU Stadium yet could not take advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves. Brandon on the other hand managed only three hits but made due with what the Legends offered them. The bullets took the six inning contest, shortened by time limit, 5-2. Named as visitors, Florida took an early lead in the first. Lead off hitter Julian Santos singled and stole second. He was driven in by catcher Shane Rowland with a single to left. Brandon Barnes ran for Rowland. He stole second but was tagged out at the plate while trying to score on a single through the right side by right fielder Juan Gomes. The Legends scored another run in the second. Yet it could have been more. Florida had a bases loaded with no outs but could only bring the one run across. Center fielder Albert Almora led the inning off with a hit up the middle. He was brought home by an RBI single through the right side by Jason Webb after first baseman Julian Loret De Mola had been issued a base on balls. That would be all the scoring for the Legends as a promising start was not taken advantage of. Florida Legends Julian Santos on his way from first to third in the fifth inning against the Brandon Bullets at F. I. U. Stadium. Santos was 1-2 with a run scored.The Legends lost the contest 5-2. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Although giving up only three hits three hits, two of them doubles, Florida pitching was not sharp. Two Legends pitchers gave up eight bases on balls, one intentionally and hit two batters collectively. With the score tied at two in the fifth, Brandon was able to plate three on four bases on balls (one intentional) a hit batsman and only one hit, a two RBI bases loaded double. Lawrence Pardo took the loss. His record is now 0-1. The Legends now stand at 12-5 on the year. June 10, 2010 - Legends pitching continues dominance with another shutout against Palm Beach PAL Florida Legends Alex Gonzalez firing home against the Palm Beach PAL at F. I. U. Stadium. Gonzalez, the winning pitcher, allowed two hits while striking out five in four innings. The Legends won the night cap of a disjointed double header 3-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' A dominating performance by a trio of Florida pitchers punctuated a 3-0 victory over the Palm Beach PAL at FIU Stadium. With an earlier victory added to the night cap, the Legends swept a disjointed double header bringing their season record to 12-4. Alex Gonzalez opened on the hill for the Legends who were designated a visitors. Gonzalez allowed only two hits, both singles while striking out five in four innings. He was relieved by Javier Salas in the fifth. The right hander held the lead by working two scoreless innings allowing one hit while striking out three. Andres Perez-Lobo closed the game out for the Legends. Perez-Lobo pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning striking out two. Gonzalez was credited with the victory. He is now 2-0 on the year. Perez-Lobo picked up his first save of the year. Hits were a rare commodity to come by. Both teams managed only three hits apiece. Legends first baseman David Thompson opened the scoring with a two out solo home run in the second. The line shot to left field was the first round tripper as a Legend for Thompson. Following at the bat catcher Aramis Garcia was awarded a four pitch base on balls. He stole second, reached third on a balk and was driven home by a single to right off the bat of Andrew Grifol. Leading 2-0, the Legends added an insurance run in the seventh. Shortstop Manny Machado doubled down the left field line with one out. He was pinch run for by Lawrence Pardo who raced to third after a failed pick off attempt. Left fielder David Vazquez then flighted a sacrifice to right bringing Pardo home. Rounding third and headed for home Florida Legends first baseman David Thompson is congratulated by assistant coach Angel Herrera after hitting his first home run as a Legend. The round tripper opened the scoring against the Palm Beach PAL in the second inning at F. I. U. Stadium. Florida won the contest 3-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Florida Legends Andres Perez-Lobo looks in for his signal against the Palm Beach PAL at F. I. U. Stadium. Perez Lobo was credited with a save in the Legends 3-0 victory. Photo: Robert de la Fe' June 10, 2010 - Legends shutout South Florida Titans 6-0 Florida Legends Dominic Laporte delivering home against the South Florida Titans at F. I. U Stadium. Laporte allowed one hit in four innings on the hill. Florida won the game 6-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Dominic Laporte went four innings only allowing one hit as the Florida Legends defeated the South Florida Titans 6-0 at FIU Stadium. Julian Loret De Mola moved from first base to the hill in the fifth and pitched the final three innings. Laporte, who struck out two, was credited with the win. He moves to 3-0 on the year. Loret De Mola picked up his first save of the year. Playing as visitors Florida hit the ground running scoring three runs in the first. After left fielder Julian Santos and catcher Shane Rowland had both been issued base on balls, David Vazquez drove them both home with a triple to left. Vazquez scored in a sacrifice fly to center by center fielder Albert Almora. Two more runs were added in the fourth to make it a five run lead. Vazquez led the inning off with a hit to left. Third baseman David Thompson was awarded a full count base on balls putting two runners aboard. Both were driven home by right fielder Juan Gomes who doubled to left center. Florida added one more run in the fifth bringing the score to where it would end, 6-0. Second baseman Jack Lopez led the inning off with a single to left then stole second. Shortstop Manny Machado drove him in with an RBI single through the left side. Florida collected seven hits overall. South Florida managed one. The Legends are now 11-4. Florida Legends Julian Loret De Mola stretching to retire a runner at first against the South Florida Titans at F. I. U. Stadium. Loret De Mola also pitched the final three innings to earn his first save as a Legend. Florida won the contest 6-0. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Florida Legends second baseman Jack Lopez goes head over heels after tagging out a South Florida Titans runner attempting to steal in the fourth inning. The game, won 6-0 by the Legends, was played at F. I. U. Stadium. Photo: Robert de la Fe' June 6, 2010 - Florida Legends take lightning shortend game 2 of Sunday doubleheader from Homestead Storm Clap for the Wolfman. Florida Legends Andres Perez-Lobo (Note: Lobo is the Spanish word for wolf) in action against the Homestead Storm at Ray-Boyd Field. Perez-Lobo, the winning pitcher, allowed one hit while striking out six in the second game of a double header. The Legends won the five inning lightning shortened contest 2-0 to sweep the twin bill and take the series four games to one. Photo: Robert de la Fe' It is a time honored tradition that in the reporting of sporting events cliches will be used. "At the last moment; in the niche of time; just under the wire." Any correspondent well knows the first rule of sport reporting: DON'T USE THEM! Yet without these small gems of wisdom news agencies would have pages of blank paper where the sporting section should be. Truth be told however, any of these overused cliches would fit most appropriately to describe the second game of a double header, the fifth game in the series, between the visiting Florida Legends and the Homestead Storm at Ray-Boyd Field. Locked in a defensive battle the Legends received an outstanding effort from starting pitcher Andres Perez-Lobo.With neither team able to establish any sort of offensive rhythm, the Legends finally broke through in the fifth. Florida scored two unearned runs with two outs and then retired the Storm in the bottom of the frame to make it an official game. The game was stopped due to lightning in the middle of the sixth which meant the Legends won the shortened contest 2-0. Florida had scored just in time, at the last moment, just under the wire. With the win the Legends swept the twin bill and took the series four games to one. Florida now stands at 10-4. Turning in one of the Legends better performances to date Perez-Lobo allowed only one hit, a single to right in the second inning. The only other Storm to reach base was hit by pitch as Perez-Lobo did not surrender a base on balls. The right hander struck out six in his four innings on the hill. He was relieved in the fifth by Lawrence Pardo. Pitching from the other side the left hander recorded a 1-2-3 bottom of the fifth in an unorthodox way. Pardo gave up a base on balls to the first batter he faced. The runner was erased four pitches later being caught stealing on a catcher Aramis Garcia throw to second baseman Brandon Barnes who applied the tag. The next Storm batsman was retied 1-6-3 as Pardo redirected a liner up the middle into the glove of shortstop Brandon Lopez who relayed to Julian Loret de Mola at first. After such other than routine defense the third out of the inning, a looking strikeout, seemed dull. Perez-Lobo was credited with the victory, his first as a Legend. Pardo picked up his first save of the year. The tandem was responsible for the Legends pitching staff's fourth shutout of the year. Having rounded third Florida Legends second baseman Brandon Barnes is headed home with the winning run against the Homestead Storm at Ray-Boyd Field. The Legends won the five inning lightning shortened contest 2-0 to sweep a double header and take the series four games to one. Photo: Robert de la Fe' In a defensive struggle and only managing three hits up to that point the Legends took advantage of a fielding miscue in the fifth. With two outs in the frame Barnes was awarded a base on balls then reached second on a wild pitch. Next at the bat Lopez offered at a 1-0 sending an inoffensive grounder towards third. The ball was misplayed by the Storm third baseman rolling off into left field. Barnes scored what would prove to be the winning run from second. After reaching on the error, Lopez advanced 90 feet on the second wild pitch of the inning. He was driven in by center fielder Julian Santos who singled to left. All of this with two outs. With the quality of pitching the Legends were given, the two runs were rather late in coming but more than enough help. Florida was retired in order in the top of the sixth but that was of little matter. Lighting in the area caused the game to be called after five completed innings making it an official game. The Legends collected four hits in all. Homestead was limited to one. Florida Legends Lawrence Pardo delivers home in the fifth inning against the Homestead Storm at Ray-Boyd Field. Pardo earned a save in the Legends 2-0 victory. The Legends swept a double header and took the series four games to one. Photo: Robert de la Fe' June 6, 2010 - Legends down Storm in game 1 of Sunday doubleheader Coming home with the goods Florida Legends pitcher Jimmy Nesselt delivers against the Homestead Storm in the first game of a double header. Florida won the contest played at Ray-Boyd Field 4-2. The right hander went five innings picking up his second victory of the year. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Granted this rivalry may not match the tradition of the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants or the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees. Yet in the first game of a Sunday double header, the forth game of the series at Ray-Boyd Field, that type of determination was evident on the countenance of players for the Homestead Storm and Florida Legends. Both teams had their game faces on. Neither showed quit. The game saw the Legends take an early lead which has been the tendency in this series. The Storm rallied and equalized on an often misunderstood play. In the end determination showed itself in the form of performance. The team with the least mistakes, Florida, came through with a 4-2 victory. The win raised the Legends to 9-4. Designated as home team for the contest, the Legends sent Jimmy Nesselt to the hill. The right hander got out of the first inning on seven pitches. Two fly balls, both on the second pitch of the at bat to Juan Gomes in right field and a 1-1 grounder to Brandon Lopez at short. Afterward, if not smooth sailing, Nesselt was certainly never in rough waters. The right hander surrendered two earned runs on six hits, all singles, in five innings of work. Nesselt helped himself. The only base on balls he issued was an intentional one in a strange fourth inning. The strategy of purposely issuing a free pass, rarely a good idea, as it turns out worked to the tactical advantage of the Legends. Also helping Nesselt was his defense. The Legends played error less ball turning two double plays. Credited with the victory Nesselt is now 2-1. Florida Legends left fielder David Thompson sliding safely into third in the fourth inning against the Homestead Storm. Thompson scored later in the inning putting Florida ahead for good in a 4-2 Legends victory at Ray-Boyd Field. Photo: Robert de la Fe' After the quick top of the first the Legends got right to work. With one out in the bottom of the frame catcher Shane Rowland was awarded a base on balls. Third baseman Rangel Ravelo followed with a hit to center putting two runners aboard. With two outs, first baseman Ozney Guillen hit a little tapper that had the effect of a well placed bunt. Guillen beat out the infield hit which the Storm pitcher would have been wise to hold. Instead attempting a play at first the throw sailed into foul territory in right field. Guillen stayed put at first but the first run for the Legends scored on the error and Ravelo was able to reach third. Not satisfied with the havoc he had just wrought, Guillen brought forth some more. The first baseman stole second. The throw from the Storm catcher was low and although blocked it rolled back into the infield in the direction of the pitcher's mound allowing Ravelo to come home unmolested. After one the Legends had a 2-0 lead. Homestead pulled one back in the second and then drew even in the third on a play that is rare enough that it is often not understood. Down 2-1 the Storm opened the third with two successive singles putting two aboard. A sacrifice bunt which was just out third baseman Ravelo to first baseman Guillen put both runners in scoring position. Now with one out the next Storm batsman was intentionally walked loading the bases to set up a double play situation. The next Storm batter indeed hit into a double play but a run scored never the less. A sacrifice fly was lifted to left field where fielder David Thompson retired the batter with the catch then threw to his cut off shortstop Lopez who alertly flipped the ball to second baseman David Vazquez. He tagged second and the Storm runner who had occupied the base and advanced to third was declared out for leaving early on the sacrifice catch. A double play to end the inning but the run scored. That is because leaving a base early is considered a time play and not a force. Since the run had scored before the third out it counted. Homestead had equalized the score but any further damage had been neutralized. Florida Legends second baseman David Vazquez scores thanks to an acrobatic slide around the tag against the Homestead Storm. The run gave Florida a 4-2 lead in the fourth which would be the final score. The game, first of a double header, was played at Ray-Boyd Field. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Back answered the Legends in the bottom of the fourth. Florida was able to regain the lead, this time for good thanks in large part to Homestead charity. Two costly errors along with a bit of surprise and an athletic play thrown in netted the Legends two runs. Thompson started the inning off reaching second on a throwing error. Then with one out Vazquez also reached safely on a fielding error allowing Thompson to slide into third. Then came the surprise. Center fielder Julian Santos squeezed on the first pitch he saw. The bunt was hidden well and came unexpected. Thompson scored and Santos reached without a throw on the infield RBI single. The Legends were now ahead but not done yet. With two outs Lawrence Pardo singled through the left side driving in Vazquez from second. Vazquez scored thanks to a circus like slide around a diving Storm catcher. Florida was able to capitalize on four Storm errors in the game. Along with some work on their part the miscues had given the Legends a gift of four unearned runs. Too much to overcome. Alex Gonzalez relieved Nesselt in the sixth and pitched two scoreless innings striking out one. This earned Gonzalez his first save of the year. June 5, 2010 - Legends sweep Saturday doubleheader with 8-0 over Homestead Storm Florida Legends Dayan Rodriguez delivers home in the second game of a double header against the Homestead Storm. Rodriguez who went five innings striking out seven was credited with the 8-0 victory. The Legends swept the twin bill played at Ray-Boyd Field. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Never judge a book by its cover. Likewise never qualify a game by just the score. At first glance the second game of a double header between the Florida Legends and the Homestead Storm played at Ray-Boyd Field on the campus of South Dade Senior High School would seem to be an outright runaway. Florida won 8-0. Looks can be deceiving. How deceiving? Although it might seem strange because of the final outcome, this for the better part of the contest was a hard fought pitcher's duel. It was actually a much closer game than the score would indicate. How close? Consider that until with one out in the fifth inning, that late into the fray, the Legends were being no hit. Prior to the fifth Florida had only two base runners, both awarded bases on balls, to their credit. Assisted by three errors and one hit, up to then the only Florida hit, the Legends finally broke the game open in the fifth scoring five runs. An explosion of three extra base hits and a sacrifice fly gathered three more runs in the sixth to round out the scoring. Florida tallied four hits while the Storm finished with five. Sweeping the twin bill, the Legends now stand at 8-4. Designated as visitors, the Legends who played error less were up for the defensive struggle. Starting pitcher Dayan Rodriguez had a runner on base in all of the five innings he worked allowing four hits in total. That being said, Rodriguez kept it at only one base runner per inning with none of them crossing the plate. Rodriguez struck out seven during his tenure. While hitting a batsman, he did not surrender a base on balls. The right hander showed poise under pressure as it seemed the Storm could take an early lead in the opening frame. Homestead's lead off hitter sent a 1-2 pitch into the left field corner for a double to start the Storm first. Rodriguez worked his way out of the possible jam with a lazy fly ball and then inducing two ground outs. The only other Storm runner to reach second while Rodriguez was on the hill would be with two outs in the fifth and a 5-0 Legends lead. Another grounder got Rodriguez and the Legends back into the dugout and out of the 96 degrees game time temperature ending that frame. Exhibiting good control, the fly ball out to the second batter of the game was the only flighted ball Rodriguez allowed. The victory was the first as a Legend for Rodriguez who is 1-0 with a save. With intense concentration evident Florida Legends Aramis Garcia squares to bunt in the fifth inning against the Homestead Storm. The well executed sacrifice moved what would prove to be the winning run into scoring position. Florida won the contest 8-0 sweeping a double header at Ray-Boyd Field. Photo: Robert de la Fe' With nothing to show for their efforts to that point the pinstriped boys in blue wearing white dri fit tops with white pinstriped pants came to bat in the fifth. David Vazquez led the inning off and got the ball rolling literally. The second baseman reached safely on a fielding miscue putting a Legends lead off on base for the first time in the game. Aramis Garcia then successfully bunted a 1-0 offering sacrificing Vazquez to second. Although perhaps lost because of the final score this play was to be the turning point of the game. It put what would prove to be the winning run in scoring position. Julian Santos then reached on the second error of the inning, an errant throw, putting runners on the corners with one out. Two errors and two on drove the Storm pitcher from the hill. Now with a reliever, a fresh arm in the game and hits, not to mention runs so hard to come by, the Legends gambled on surprise. First baseman Andres Martinez bunted a 1-0 pitch. The safety squeeze worked to perfection as the ball rolled and died towards third base to the right of the just entered pitcher scoring Vazquez. But wait, there's more. Attempting to at least get an out at first on the play the new Storm pitcher threw the ball into right field, the third error of the inning. That started a merry go round for the Legends. Santos scored from first while Martinez reached third. Surprises not being done yet, left fielder Jason Webb struck out in his at bat yet reached first on a passed ball. Center fielder Albert Almora, who had grounded to second twice earlier, offered at a 1-2 pitch and for the third time in the contest, sent bouncing ball the way of the Storm second baseman. It looked like a routine play. A sure out and although approaching a bit too slowly, the possibility of a double play existed. The ball however had other ideas. Bouncing off the lip of the infield the ball squirted past the hapless second baseman into right field for a two RBI single. The first hit of the game for the Legends. One more run would score as right fielder Juan Gomes was issued a bases loaded base on balls bringing Almora home. A double play ended the rally. The neatly executed 6-4-3 twin killing seemed anti climatic for the Storm however. Moments before it had been a scoreless draw, the Legends without benefit of a hit. Florida now only had one hit but five runs having sent nine to the plate in the fifth. Florida Legends David Vazquez hitting to the right side against the Homestead Storm. The second baseman tripled and scored in the sixth during the second game of a double header. Florida won the contest played at Ray-Boyd Field 8-0 to sweep the twin bill. Photo: Robert de la Fe' The comfortable lead seem to relax the earlier tension felt by the Legends. This led to an extra base explosion. Vazquez led off for the second time in as many innings. He smacked the first pitch that came his way into right center for a triple. Garcia followed with a double down the left field line scoring Vazquez. Garcia was driven home with one out by a sacrifice fly to right off the bat of shortstop Brandon Lopez. Lawrence Pardo pinch hit and ripped a double into left bringing Santos, who had previously been hit by pitch, in with the eighth run of the afternoon for the Legends. Andrew Grifol came in to pitch the bottom of the sixth. The Storm failed to score in the inning ending the game by run rule at that point. June 5, 2010 - Legends defeat Storm in pitcher's duel to take game 1 of Saturday Doubleheader Florida Legends center fielder and lead off hitter Albert Almora doubles to left center in the first inning. Almora would come in to score the opening run of the game against the Homestead Storm at Ray-Boyd Field. The Legends won this first game of a double header 2-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' This is what being in the twilight zone must feel like. The game between the Homestead Storm and the Florida Legends was giving out a spooky sensation. The contest, first of a double header and second of the series at Ray-Boyd Field on the campus of South Dade Senior High School, was playing out eerily similar to the 4-1 Storm victory the day before. Legends get good pitching. Legends taking an early lead scoring in the first inning on two hits, a double followed by an RBI single. Legends offense mysteriously disappears. That is where the similarities ended however. The Florida defense held firm and the Legends bats got just enough done with the help of some trickery to pull out a hard earned 2-1 victory. With the win the Legends are now 7-4. Playing as home team, Legends starting pitcher Brian Radziewski took to the hill showing good command in a dominating performance. The left hander had a somewhat unique way of starting the domination however. Radziewski surrendered a full count hit to the lead off Storm batter who singled to center. Three pitches later Radziewski picked him off with a deceptively sharp move to first baseman Lawrence Pardo. Now with one out the second Storm batsman singled through the right side. Three pitches later he was caught leaning as Radziewski threw to Pardo who relayed to shortstop Brandon Lopez for the 1-3-6 caught stealing putout. Radziewski did not allow another hit through four innings of work. He struck out four. Dominic Laporte entered in relief and went the final three innings. Although the game turned a little more interesting than the Legends would have liked, a run in the seventh and the bases loaded, Laporte was able to hold getting a strike out, one of five, to end the game. Radziewski was credited with the win. He is now 2-0. Laporte picked up his first save of the year. Florida Legends catcher Shane Rowland sends a single to left field in the first inning against the Homestead Storm. The hit drove in the first run of the game, the first of a double header, played at Ray-Boyd Field. The Legends won the contest 2-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Getting some timely hitting right at the start, Florida was able to score in the bottom of the first. Center fielder Albert Almora sent a 1-1 offering into left center field for a lead off double. Catcher Shane Rowland followed with a 2-2 single to left driving Almora home with the first run of the game. Then the Legends bats went to find some shade in the 94 degrees game time temperature. Florida did not get another hit until the fifth inning. As it was the Legends had only one base runner of any kind in that span. Right fielder Juan Gomes was hit by pitch with two outs in the fourth. He would steal second but be stranded there. Head down and determined Florida Legends first baseman Lawrence Pardo sprints home with the winning run against the Homestead Storm in the fifth inning. Legends left fielder Julian Santos who had been awarded a base on balls, intentionally got caught in a run down between first and second allowing Pardo to score. Third base coach John Hyduk looks on as the play unfolds. The game, the first of a double header, at Ray-Boyd Field was won by the Legends 2-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Florida finally broke through the hit barrier with two outs in the fifth. Pardo drove a 1-2 pitch into left center for a triple. That was the Legends third hit of the game. Left fielder Julian Santos followed with a four pitch base on balls. With hits at a premium the Legends manufactured a run using a bit of razzle dazzle. Santos broke for second and intentionally got himself in a rundown. Timing the play to perfection Pardo put his head down and darted home scoring before the Storm could retire Santos ending the inning. Hocus pocus. That would prove to be the winning run. Almora led all hitters going 2-3 with a double and run scored. The Legends collected a hard to come by five hits while the Storm were able to gather three. June 4, 2010 - Homestead Strom defeat Legends in opener of 5 game weekend series Florida Legends pitcher Julian Ovalle in his delivery against the Homestead Storm at Ray-Boyd Field on the campus of South Dade Senior High School. The left hander pitched two and two thirds innings of hitless relief. Homestead won the contest 4-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Oh me, oh my. Hitting woes continue for the Legends. The lack of any sort of offensive production caused Florida to lose its second decision in a row. The Legends could only manage four hits, two of which came in the first inning, against the Homestead Storm at Ray-Boyd Field on the campus of South Dade Senior High School. The 4-1 loss dropped the Legends to 6-4 on the season. The offensive no show ruined a good debut by pitcher Andre Martinez. The left hander, who took the loss, went three and two thirds innings striking out five. Martinez allowed six hits and did not give up an earned run. Playing as visitors in their dark blue dri-fit tops with gray pants, the Legends started off well enough taking an early 1-0 lead in the opening frame. With one out designated hitter Shane Rowland doubled to center field on a 2-2 pitch. Right fielder Juan Gomes followed with a single through the right side scoring Rowland.Gomes would steal second but be stranded there. Now for the bad news. That was all the offense the Legends would produce. Stop the highlight reel. Turn off the cameras. As that famous but luckless young man named John (last name never mentioned) once said: "I would tell you more but that was all she wrote." Florida would only collect two more hits the rest of the way. Both off the lumber of center fielder Julian Santos. The left handed batsman singled through the right side in the second then reached on a well placed bunt to the Storm second baseman in the fifth. Florida Legends pitcher Andre Martinez delivers against the Homestead Storm at Ray-Boyd Field. The left hander pitched well in his Legends debut but received no support. He was charged with the 4-1 loss despite not giving up an earned run. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Without a doubt the one bright spot for Florida, pitching, kept the Legends in the game. Through three Martinez had only given up two singles. Then in the fourth two successive errors to start the inning would open the flood gates. The Legends committed three miscues in the frame allowing four unearned runs. Martinez gave way to Julian Ovalle who got the Legends out of the fourth with a looking strike out. The fellow left hander pitched well in relief going a scoreless two and one third innings without allowing a hit. Florida Legends shortstop Brandon Lopez relaying to first against the Homestead Storm at Ray-Boyd Field. Homestead won the game 4-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' May 31, 2010 - Legends fall to 6-3 on the season with loss against South Florida Huskies Sliding around the tag Florida Legends Julian Santos steals second in the second inning. The semifinal game of the Elite Memorial Kick Off Tournament played at Broward College was won by the South Florida Huskies Navy 4-2. Photo: Robert de la Fe' This makes one scratch their head and wonder with a quizzical look about them. The Florida Legends, a team built around a strategy of power all of a sudden have their offense in the doldrums. Playing in the semifinal of the Elite Memorial Kick Off Tournament at Broward College, the Legends lost 4-2 against the South Florida Huskies Navy. For the most part the Legends bats were corralled. Florida managed six hits, two of which were in the seventh and final inning. Only in one other stanza, the second where the Legends left the bases loaded, did the boys in blue get two hits in one frame. Just two mind you, no more. Starting pitcher Jimmy Nesselt it must be said, did not have the quality of outing he would have hoped for although it was far from being bad. The right hander threw a few more pitches per inning than he would have liked to. Still, he only surrendered five hits and three bases on balls while striking out a like number three. Coming to his aid the defense did their part playing error less ball and producing two double plays during his tenure. Nesselt in four innings on the hill gave up only one run. Most of the time that should be good enough. Yet with sluggish bats behind him, he was the losing pitcher. His record now stands at 1-1 while the Legends are 6-3. Florida Legends second baseman David Vazquez relaying to first completing a double play as shortstop Brandon Lopez backs the play up. The twin killing was one of three for the Legends against the South Florida Huskies Navy in the semifinal of the Elite Memorial Kick Off Tournament played at Broward College. The Huskies won the contest 4-2. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Not that the Legends didn't have their chances. With two outs in the first designated hitter Rangel Ravelo smashed an 0-1 pitch into deepest part of the ball park, straight away center. The ball just missed going out. Ravelo settled for a double and was then stranded on second. In the second inning with one out second baseman David Vazquez singled through the left side. Right fielder Julian Santos then sent a slow grounder deep to the Huskie shortstop. The speedy Santos beat out the throw and Vazquez alertly went from first to third on a ball that never left the infield. First baseman Lawrence Pardo followed with a four pitch base on balls. The situation looked promising. Bases loaded and only one out. All three runners would be marooned however. Another opportunity in the now 1-0 deficit presented itself in the third inning. Center fielder and lead off batter Albert Almora started the frame with a hit to left. Almora stole second and was moved to third by a grounder to second off the bat of catcher Shane Rowland. Almora would be tagged out at home attempting to advance on a ball that got not far away enough from the catcher. Three innings, three opportunities unfulfilled. Nesselt left the game after four and the Legends bull pen could not hold. The Huskies scored two in the fifth and one in the sixth making it a 4-0 ball game against at the time. South Florida amassed 10 hits in all. The Legends avoided a shutout scoring two in the seventh. Aramis Garcia led the inning off being hit by pitch. With one out Santos drew a full count base on balls. Pardo grounded to first putting the runners at second and third now with two outs. Shortstop Brandon Lopez singled to center driving both Garcia and Santos home. It was a case on too little too late however as 4-2 is how the game would end. May 30, 2010 - Legends defeat South Florida Elite by a score of 6-2 Florida Legends Dominic Laporte delivers home against the South Florida Elite Grey during the Elite Memorial Kick Off Tournament. Laporte who struck out six was credited with the 6-2 Legends victory at Broward College. Photo: Robert de la Fe' To think, it isn't really summer yet. Could have fooled the thermometer. With the game time temperature at 86 degrees the Legends spent Memorial Day Sunday afternoon at Broward College participating in the Elite Memorial Kick Off Tournament. In a game that was close for most of the way, the Legends pulled away in the sixth with a three run inning on their way to a 6-2 victory against the South Florida Elite Grey. Staring Legends pitcher Dominic Laporte (2-0) went five innings giving up two runs on seven hits. The right hander struck out six to earn the win, his second of the year while the Legends improved to 6-2 overall. Playing as visitors Florida struck first in the opening frame. With two out third baseman Rangel Ravelo scorched a 2-1 offering down the left field line for a double. Ravelo then stole third. From there designated hitter David Thompson drove him in with a single to center on a 1-1 pitch. The early lead was short lived as the Elite Grey equaled in the bottom of the frame. The South Florida lead off batter tripled to right field to start the Elite first. He was driven in by the next batsman who singled. Further damage was avoided as that base runner was caught stealing. Laporte stepped off the rubber and threw to second baseman Brandon Barnes for the 1-4 caught stealing put out. First baseman Julian Loret de Mola took care of the other two outs of the frame with an unassisted double play. Almost! Florida Legends center fielder Julian Santos dives for a ball against the South Florida Elite Grey. Santos tripled and scored two runs in the Legends 6-2 victory at Broward College. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Right back to work, the Legends retook the lead with a run in the second. Center fielder Julian Santos led the inning off with a full count triple to right. Then with one out shortstop Brandon Lopez made contact putting the ball in play. Lopez grounded to his counterpart at short but in the process drove Santos home. That is how the score stood until the bottom of the forth when the Elite Grey evened the score for the second time in the contest. As in the first, the lead off batter figured in the scoring. Hitting a bouncer that looked at first to be on its way to Lopez at short, Laporte reached up attempting to make a play on the ball. He instead redirected the ball for an infield hit. That runner would eventually come around to score making it 2-2 after four. Momentum would once again swing in the favor of the Legends in the sixth. This time for good. With one out in the frame Legends lead off hitter Albert Almora singled sending a 2-1 pitch into center field. Two pitches later Almora stole second. One of five bases the Legends swiped on the sunny afternoon. Catcher Shane Rowland then singled to left bringing Almora home with what would be the deciding run. Now with one aboard Ravelo offered at the first pitch in his at bat sending an arching drive over the left field fence. The two run homer, Ravelo's second four bagger of the year, gave Florida a 5-2 lead at the time. It didn't offer any shade but at least did give the Legends some breathing space. Florida added one more in the top of the seventh making it 6-2. Aramis Garcia singled to center bringing home Santos who had reached on an error. Laporte was relieved in the sixth by Alex Lavandro. The right hander struck out the first batter he faced before giving up an infield hit on a bunt and issuing a base on balls putting two on. Any thought of a late inning rally was put to rest by the Legends defense however. Barnes caught a liner at his second base position and then flipped to Lopez at short for an inning ending double play. The twin killing was one of three on the day for the Legends. Left handed Lawrence Pardo closed the game for the Legends in the seventh striking out two. Rangel Ravelo led the way for the Legends going 2-3 with a double, home run two runs scored, two RBIs and a stolen base. Both teams collected eight hits apiece. May 23, 2010 - Prospects hand Legends first defeat of 2010 Florida Legends designated hitter Lawrence Pardo making contact against the All American Prospects in the second game of a double header at F. I. U. Stadium. The Prospects won 3-2 splitting the twin bill with the Legends. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Like gravity, this is a law that seemingly governs the universe. With scientific certainty this baseball theorem explains that a hit always follows an error. Such was proven twice in the second game of a Sunday double header between the All American Prospects and the Florida Legends who were designated as home team. The Prospects won the game 3-2 spitting the twin bill played at FIU Stadium and handing Florida its first loss of the year. After the Prospects failed to score in the top of the first, the Legends got right to work in their half of the frame. Shortstop Manny Machado reached safely on a fielder's choice then advanced to second on a wild pitch with two outs. Designated hitter Rangel Ravelo followed with a ground ball that should have ended the inning but instead was misplayed by the Prospect second baseman. This allowed Machado to slide home with the game's first run, an unearned one. Following the error, third baseman David Vazquez advantageously swung at the first pitch he saw sending a single to center and putting runners on the corners. An error then a hit. Skeptics would say that this occurring once was mere coincidence. Right fielder Ozney Guillen then drew a four pitch base on balls loading the bases. All three runners would be marooned. A scenario that would play out more than once and come back to haunt the Legends. Safe! Florida Legends shortstop Manny Machado slides home safely in the first inning against the All American Prospects. Machado came home with the first run of the game on an errant throw. The All Americans won the game 3-2 splitting a double header with the Legends at F. I. U Stadium. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Now with a 1-0 lead, Legends starting pitcher Alex Lavandero took control of the second inning. The right hander struck out the side. Yet all was not well. Starting in the third Lavendero seemed to run out of gas. He walked two and hit a batsman. The Prospects however failed to capitalize leaving the bases loaded. That type of luck would not hold out. The fourth inning began with two successive Prospects singles. Coupled with two wild pitches the All Americans equaled the score and had a runner in scoring position without an out. With one out, a strike out, the game took a turn in momentum. A bouncer to third was misplayed by Vazquez and then an errant throw from left field allowed the runner from first to move into scoring position. Two errors on one play drove Lavandero from the hill. He was relieved by Javier Salas who pitched well allowing only two hits, both singles, in two and two thirds innings. Unfortunately for the Legends, one of the hits came to the first batter he faced. A single to left scored both runners he had inherited. Mathematicians and philosophers will be left to argue about the value of baseball superstitions. The fact remained however that the hit had followed... an error. Florida Legends Javier Salas working in relief against the All American Prospects. Salas pitched two and two thirds innings allowing two hits and striking out two at F. I. U. Stadium. The Prospects won the game 3-2 splitting a double header with the Legends. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Now behind 3-1, the first deficit faced in the young season there was no need to be overly worried. Plenty of ball game left. Yet from here the game progressed at a sluggish pace for both sides. The Prospects would collect only one more hit, a single in the fifth, the rest of the game. The Legends did not fare much better. Florida mounted a rally in the sixth as catcher Shane Rowland led the inning drawing a base on balls. Machado singled and Ravelo walked loading the bases with no outs. All the Legends could must was a one out base on balls awarded to Guillen that forced a run home. Florida would leave the bases juiced for the second time in the contest. Another chance would not come and the score stood 3-2 in favor of the All Americans. Lavandero was charged with the loss. May 23, 2010 - Legends defeat Prospects in first game of Sunday's twin bill Goodbye Mr. Wilson. Florida Legends designated hitter Manny Machado hammers a 1-1 pitch over the left field fence. The solo home run came in the fourth inning against the All American Prospects at F. I. U. Stadium. Florida won the contest 8-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Clad in their Sunday best, white dri-fit tops with white pinstripe pants the Legends faced off with the All American Prospects for the fourth time in three days on a warm Sunday afternoon. Playing on the Lord's Day in the first game of a double header at FIU Stadium it seemed the Florida bats came with the fear of the Almighty in them. Designated as visitors the Legends hit the ground running sending 11 batsmen to the plate in the first smiting the Prospects with five runs on five hits. Never in doubt after that point, Florida added to is early lead running away with the game 8-1. The victory raised the Legends to 4-0 on the just starting season. Center fielder Albert Almora led the game off for the Legends sending a 1-1 pitch up the middle for an opening base hit. Designated hitter Shane Rowland followed in like with a single through the right side putting two aboard. Third batter Manny Machado was then awarded a base on balls packing the bases full of Legends without an out. Third baseman Rangel Ravelo opened the scoring with a ground ball in the hole. The Prospect shortstop was able to keep the ball from going into the outfield but could not prevent Almora from scoring on the infield hit. Left fielder Julian Santos took his place at the bat with one out and the sacks still juiced. An RBI opportunity Santos found too good to pass up. Swinging at the first offering that came his way Santos, who bats from the left side, singled to center driving home Rowland and Machado. Exhibiting speed, teamwork and guile, Ravelo and Santos then executed a double steal putting both runners in scoring position. First baseman Lawrence Pardo took advantage of this strategy with a base hit to left converting both base runners into runs. The end result was a 5-0 score before the All Americans had ever come to bat. Florida Legends Jason Webb in action against the All American Prospects at F. I. U. Stadium. Webb, who started the game in right field, pitched two scoreless innings in relief. The left hander did not allow a hit while striking out three. Florida won the game 8-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Starting the second where they had left off in the first, Rowland led off reaching second on a throwing error. Machado then sent a 3-1 offering through the left side putting runners on the corners. Ravelo followed first pitch swinging and lifting a fly to center that was deep enough. The sacrifice scored Rowland making it 6-0 at that early stage of the game. The Prospects managed a run in the third which the Legends got right back in the fourth. With one out in the frame Machado sent a 1-1 pitch on a high arch that cleared the left field fence. The solo home run was the first of the year for Machado who finished the game going 2-2. Florida rounded out the scoring in the seventh with one more run. Second baseman David Vazquez reached via a base on balls. He stole second and reached third on a wild pitch. With two outs Pardo fought off an 0-2 pitch sending it through the right side driving Vazquez home. Pardo was 2-4 with two RBIs. Looking impressive in his initial trip to the mound for the Legends, Julian Ovalle was credited with the victory. The left hander worked four innings allowing two hits while striking out four. He was relieved by Jason Webb in the fifth. Webb who up to this point in the young season had been used as an outfielder, did justice to the office of set up man. Webb, who also throws from the left side, did not allow a hit and struck out three in his two innings on the hill. Andrew Grifol, yet another left hander, closed the game. Grifol had a 1-2-3 seventh inning striking out two Prospect hitters before a fly to Ozney Guillen in right field ended the game. May 22, 2010 - Legends sweep Doubleheader from the All American Prospects Florida Legends Andrew Grifol putting the ball in play during the fifth inning of the second game of a double header against the All American Prospects. By hitting the ball to the right side Grifol drove in the lone run of the game in a 1-0 Legends victory at F. I. U. Stadium. Florida swept the twin bill. Photo: Robert de la Fe' This turned into quite a pitcher's duel. The second game of a Saturday afternoon double header between the Florida Legends playing as visitors and the All American Prospects featured six pitchers used, three by each team. The Legends collected five hits while the Prospects managed three. At the end of the day only one run had crossed home plate. Florida was able to score in the fifth to secure a 1-0 victory. The win gave the Legends a sweep of the double header which was played at FIU Stadium. The Legends raised their record to 3-0 at the start of the 2010 campaign. In his initial Florida outing right handed Alex Gonzalez looked sharp. Featuring a lively ball, Gonzalez allowed one hit, a single to right in the second while striking out six in three innings of work. He gave way to Dominic Laporte in the fourth. The right hander was the pitcher of record. Like Gonzalez, Laporte allowed only one hit, a single to center in the fourth while striking out one. Laporte faced some trouble in his opening frame as a two out error placed two runners in scoring position. He got out of it by inducing a ground ball out into the glove of shortstop Jack Lopez who relayed to first baseman Ozney Guillen ending the inning. With the Legends leading 1-0, right hander Dayan Rodriguez entered the game with a save situation at stake in the sixth. As his two predecessors, Rodriguez allowed only one hit. He struck out a like number, one. Laporte was credited with the win, his first as a Legend while Rodriguez picked up his first save for the pinstriped boys in blue. Collecting his first save of the year, Florida Legends Dayan Rodriguez offers home against the All American Prospects at F. I. U. Stadium. The Legends won the game 1-0 sweeping a double header. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Offensively, the Legends were kept in check for most of the game. Florida was able to obtain a base runner in every inning but the fourth but could not convert runner into run. Catcher Shane Rowland singled to left in the first inning but was stranded. Another chance in the second was short lived. Designated hitter Andrew Grifol singled up the middle with two outs. He was then promptly picked off by a throw from the catcher to the Prospect first baseman on the following pitch. Jack Lopez became the third Legends base runner of the game in the third when he reached on an error. He was however retired on a double play which was highlighted by a rocket throw to first by the Prospect center fielder. Persistence finally paid off for the Legends in the fifth. Third baseman Rangel Ravelo led the inning off being awarded a base on balls. He reached second on an infield hit by Guillen and then advanced to third on a fielder's choice. With one out Grifol went with a 3-1 pitch sending a ground ball to the second baseman. Grifol was retired on the play but by virtue of hitting the ball to the right side drove Ravelo home with the game's lone run. May 22, 2010 - Legends take game one of Saturday Doubleheader vs. the All American Prospects Florida Legends pitcher Jimmy Nesselt delivering home against the All American Prospects in the first game of a double header. Nesselt who was credited with the 6-1 victory allowed one hit while striking out three. The Legends swept the twin bill at F. I. U. Stadium. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Picking up on Saturday afternoon exactly where they had left off on Friday night, the Florida Legends defeated the All American Prospects 6-1 in the first game of a double header at FIU Stadium. The game was very similar in characteristics to the opening day victory in that the Legends jumped out to an early lead then expanded on that lead. Coupled with a strong defense and dominant pitching the two games seemed to book end each other. Different time periods but same story. Playing as the host team, the Legends sent right handed pitcher Jimmy Nesselt to the mound. Nesselt was imposing from the hill. He allowed only one hit while striking out three in his tenure. Exhibiting good control Nesselt kept everything low. One out was recorded via the air, a fly ball to Jason Webb in left field. Other than that and the strike outs, Nesselt kept shortstop Manny Machado and second baseman Jack Lopez occupied. Every other out was a grounder to either one or the other of the Legends middle infielders. Left handed Dylan Hathcock entered in relief and was every bit as impressive. Hathcock allowed two hits while striking out six. Neither pitcher allowed an earned run in the three hitter. Nesselt was credited with the victory, his first as a Legend. Adding to the list of firsts, Hathcock picked up his first save for the pinstriped boys in blue who were dressed this afternoon in white tops with gray pants. The Legends move to 2-0 on the young season. Center fielder Albert Almora doubles down the left field line gathering his first hit as a member of the Florida Legends in the third inning against the All American Prospects. This was the first game of a double header at F. I. U. Stadium. Almora would come around to score in a 6-1 Legends victory. Florida swept the twin bill. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Designated hitter Shane Rowland started the Legends offensive advance in the first inning. With one out Rowland was first pitch swinging singling to center field. Manny Machado followed with a hit through the left side putting two on board. Third baseman Rangel Ravelo showing good bat discipline grounding to second. By virtue of hitting the ball to the right side, Ravelo moved up the two base runners into scoring position. From there first baseman Ozney Guillen smacked a drive to right center. The base hit drove in both Rowland and Machado. Leading 2-0 after one, the Legends never looked back. The lead was doubled in the third as the Legends added two more in that frame following the same basic game philosophy as had gotten the first two runs. With one out in the inning Legends lead off hitter Albert Almora sent a 3-1 pitch over third base and just inside the left field foul line. The double was Almora's initial hit as a Legend. Rowland was then awarded a full count base on balls putting two runners on. Machado followed and quickly found himself in an 0-2 hole before sending a 1-2 count pitch through the left side scoring Almora. For the second time Ravelo then went with the pitch hitting the ball to the right side bringing Rowland home making it 4-0 at the time. Florida Legends left hander Dylan Hathcock in action against the All American Prospects at F. I. U. Stadium. Hathcock struck out six on his way to picking up the first save of the year for the Legends in a 6-1 victory. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Machado started the fifth inning being awarded full count a base on balls. The Legends shortstop would reach second on a wild pitch and then advance to third on a fielder's choice. From there Machado strolled home on the second wild pitch of the inning making it a 5-1 game at that point. Machado was also involved in the last Legend run scored in the sixth. Jack Lopez led the inning off with a full count base on balls. He reached third with one out after free passes in the way of bases on balls to Almora and Rowland loaded the sacks. Machado singled to center driving Lopez home and making it 6-1 where the game finished. The Legends collected eight hits in all. Machado led the way going 2-2. May 21, 2010 - Legends defeat the All American Prospects 4-1 on Opening Night Florida Legends first baseman Ozney Guillen singles to left field in the first inning against the All American Prospects. The hit drove in the first run of the year for the Legends. Guillen went 2-3 with a run and this RBI in the season opener played at F.I.U. Stadium. The Legends won the opener 4-1. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Don't read too much into this. Try not to get overly excited. This was after all just one game. That in and of itself does not a season make. If the 4-1 season opener victory over the All American Prospects is any indication of things to come however, the future may be looking very bright for the 2010 edition of the Florida Legends. Playing as visitors at Florida International University Stadium the pinstriped boys in blue were dominant in every aspect of the game. Florida amassed 12 hits while surrendering only three; two of which were in the seventh inning. Legends pitching did not give up an earned run. The Florida defense took a no hitter into the fifth inning. Even then, the first Prospect hit resulted in an out. By being at the right place at the right time, the Legends showed that you make your own luck. More on that later. Florida took early control of the game scoring in the first inning. Catcher Shane Rowland singled through the right side with one out for the Legends fist hit of the year. With two outs, third baseman Rangel Ravelo singled to right putting runners on the corners. First baseman Ozney Guillen then smacked an 0-2 delivery to left bringing Rowland home for the first run batted in of the 2010 campaign. The same cast of characters would be involved in more offensive demonstrations under somewhat similar circumstances but this time with fireworks the the third. With one out in that frame Rowland who found himself in an 0-2 hole worked the count full before being awarded a base on balls. Then again as in the first with two outs and Rowland at first Ravelo stepped up to the bat. The Florida third baseman sent a 1-1 pitch amply over the left field fence. The two run homer made it a 3-0 advantage at the time with the Legends still looking for more in the frame. They would find what they were seeking. Guillen followed with an infield single. A slow bouncer that caught the lip of the infield and skipped over the Prospect second baseman. Center fielder Julian Santos offered at the first pitch he saw in his at bat sending a drive into right center. The triple plated Guillen and gave the Legends, considering the quality of their pitching, a commanding 4-0 lead. Florida Legends pitcher Bryan Radziewski delivers home in the season opener against the All American Prospects. Radziewski did not surrender a hit while striking out five in the 4-1 Legends victory played at F. I. U. Stadium. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Left handed starter Bryan Radziewski allowed only one base runner although that runner was not on base long. Radziewski gave up a full count base on balls to the lead off Prospect hitter. One pitch later that runner was erased as he was caught leaning. Radziewski fired over to first baseman Guillen as the runner was attempting to steal. Guillen relayed to shortstop Manny Machado for the 1-3-6 caught stealing put out. Radziewski, who was credited with the victory, did not give up a hit and struck out five during his tenure on the hill. The Prospects got their first hit in the fifth. The All Americans broke up the up to then no hitter while running themselves into an out all in one play. With Lawrence Pardo now on the mound, the bottom of the fifth was greeted with a bloop to right. Legends right fielder Albert Almora made a diving attempt but could not come up with the ball. What Almora did manage was to push the ball into the direction of first baseman Ozney on the spot Guillen who fielded the roller off of Almora's glove in short right field and fired over to Machado at second. Machado warmly greeted the Prospect runner with a tag of his ball enclosed glove for the unorthodox but never the less effective 9-3-6 put out. Right place, right time. There goes the first one. Florida Legends third baseman Rangel Ravelo sends a 1-1 pitch over the left field fence against the All American Prospects. The two run blast was the first home run of the year for the Legends. Florida won the season opener 4-1 at F. I. U. Stadium. Photo: Robert de la Fe' Leading the charge for the Legends was Ravelo who was a perfect 3-3 with a base on balls. Following were Guillen who was 3-4 and Rowland who was 2-3. Florida used a trio of pitchers, Radziewski, Pardo and Andrew Grifol who closed the seventh inning. May 10, 2010 - Legends Ready for another run at the Connie Mack World Series Crown The month of May signifies the ending of the High School baseball season, and the start of summer baseball. For the 2010 Florida Legends, it is not a start, but more like a continuation of the 2009 summer season. The Legends have one thing in mind this summer; unfinished business. The 2009 Legends were one game short of playing for the Connie Mack World Series Championship, and With 7 returning player from the 2009 squad on the 2010 roster, the boys in blue will try and get back to the promise land of Farmington, New Mexico at all cost. Expierence always matters, and for the Legends, they have plenty in 2010. Returning for his 4th year as the Legends Head Coach, Carlos Marti, along with Assistant Coaches John Hyduk and Angel Herrera, the Legends will have 3 of the top baseball coaches in South Florida today. Chairman and Majority Owner, Rick Torcise values courage and integrity from the players on his talented Legends sqaud and the 2010 Legends are nothing short of talented, courageous, and integrous. President, General Manager, and Co-Owner, David Elder's words of motivation and his ability to bring out the very best in a player's athletic and mental abilities goes without noticing. Elder has taught and inspired many of baseball's young high school and collegiate stars that have played for the Legends in South Florida. Both Torcise and Elder, along with Marti, Hyduk, and Herrera have been apart of the Legends Baseball Club since it's establishment in 2007 and have led the Legends to 3 Connie Mack World Series appearances in 3 years. Not only is the expierence a factor on the Managerial side of this ballclub, but on the field as well. The Legends have nothing but expierence in 2010 as 7 returning players will don the pinstripes once again. Leading the way on the pitching staff will be 2nd year player, Andrew Suarez, a 6'2 left-handed pitcher from Columbus High School and a University of Miami Commitee. Andy was a vital part of the Legends pitching staff in 2009, and showed nothing but courage and determination last summer at the Connie Mack World Series. Suarez's gutsy performence against the East Cobb Yankees in the '09 world series was nothing short of spectacular. Pitching with a blister on his pitching hand that wouldn't stop bleeding, Suarez showed the Legends coaches, players, and fans that he is a big game pitcher, no matter the circumstances are. Joining Suarez on the 2010 pitching staff will be some of the top talent in South Florida, including University of Miami signee's Bryan Radziewski, Javy Salas, and Luke Jackson. Dylan Hathcock, a 6'2, 185lb, from Tampa Gaither and a UNC Greensboro signee will also be apart of the Legends' staff along with Andres Perez-Lobo, Alex Gonzalez, Julian Ovalle, Dominic Laporte, Aderic Kelly, Andre Martinez, Jimmy Nesselt, Andrew Grifol, and Alex Lavandero. The Legends will also feature this year's Tournament MVP from the Prestigious Sarasota Classic Spring Break Tournament, Dayan Rodriguez. Rodriguez is 6'2 and 185lbs and has commited to play baseball for Miami-Dade College next fall. The offense will have lots of it's 2009 fire-power back with 6 returning players. Catcher Shane Rowland, a Univeristy of Miami signee will join another UM signee, Jullian Santos, plus Infielders Jack Lopez, Rangel Ravelo, outfielder David Vazquez and a Florida International University signee, Manny Machado will lead the Legends' offensive attack. Joining the Legends 2nd year players will be Catcher/First Baseman Aramis Garcia, middle infielders Wendall Soto and Brandon Lopez, Third Baseman Mike Antonio, Outfielders David Thompson, Juan Gomes, Larry Pardo, and Albert Almora, and Utility Player Bradon Barnes. The Legends offense will be also get a boost from one of the most underrated players in Miami-Dade County, a 5'10", 170lb Outfielder by the name of Jason Webb who attends South Dade High School in Homestead, FL. The 2010 Legends will mix it's veteran talent, and new faces and will continue to work hard in order to be Farmington Bound in 2010. The Legends had thier first squad workout of the 2010 season this past Saturday, May 8, 2010 at F.I.U and will open up the 2010 season on May 21, 2010 against the All American Prospects at F.I.U. at 7:00pm. View 2010 Legends schedule View 2010 Legends Roster May 10, 2010 - Legends add Almora, Lopez, and Lavandero to 2010 Roster Your Florida Legends have added 3 players to the 2010 roster from the talented 2012 high school class in South Florida. Albert Almora, a 6'1, 180lb Outfielder from Mater Academy High School will join the Legends talented outfielders in 2010. Almora, played on the 16-U United States Olympic team and has commited to the Univeristy of Miami. Joining Almora will be Middle Infielder Brandon Lopez and Right Handed Pitcher Alex Lavandero. Lopez, hails from American Heritage high school while Lavandero attends Belen Jesuit High school in Miami View 2010 Legends Roster