Jacksonville FL- Braeden McNamee came in for the save, striking out Tate’s Drew Reaves as First Coast won their first playoff game in twenty three years. First Coast starter Dylan Cope got through six innings leading the way for the Bucs.
It was a tight contest early on as both teams felt the pressure of the playoff fever. First Coast came into the contest with a 15-8 record navigating the 3-6A district. Yet First Coast would break the ice when JJ Nazario hit a 2-RBI double to open the scoring, as First Coast went up 3-0.
First Coast locked down on defense as Cope caught a Tate batter looking with runners at second and third. Tate would strand three in scoring position as First Coast remained ahead 3-0.
In the middle fourth, Tate’s Jackson Penton hit a RBI double to get the Aggies on the board. Trailing 3-1, Tate stranded a runner at third, as they were unable to make up any more ground. Tate stranded four in scoring position in four innings, as First Coast capitalized with great infield and out field play.
All year players like Hunter Carns ( 4 home runs and 34 hits), Dylan Fontaine (16 RBIs), Cope ( 75 strike outs) and Lucas Grayson (55 strike outs) have been big reasons for the Buc’s memorable season. They’ll keep it going into next week, as First Coast faces Pace (23-3) on Friday. Pace defeated Forest (18-6) by a score of 10-5 to advance to the Regional Semifinals.
Photo Gallery by Will Brown
