T-Bred Baseball - Hialeah Senior High T-Breds

T-Bred Baseball News 2010

March 19, 2010 - Coral Park Rams vs Hialeah High T-Breds

Hialeah shortstop Michael DeJesus smacking an RBI single into right field during the first inning against Coral Park at Alex Fernandez Field. DeJesus went 3-4 with a home run, double and two RBIs in a 4-1 T-Bred victory.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

It felt strange. Everyone standing at attention during the playing of the national anthem facing a flag pole with no flag. Seems a mechanism failure had prevented the hoisting of the Stars and Stripes. As a consolation everyone at Alex Fernandez Field for the district game between the visiting Coral Park Rams and the home standing Hialeah T-Breds witnessed a military fly by. A low flying Coast Guard jet buzzed directly over the park right past where Old Glory should have been as the Star Spangled Banner was rendered. Getting earthbound and down to business afterwards, the T-Breds withstood an early Ram threat, took control of the game and came out with a 5-0 victory. Junior Randy Lopez went six innings allowing three hits, only one after the first inning and struck out four. The right hander raised his record to 2-3. Hialeah improved its overall mark to 7-4 and 5-1 in district with the win.

This was the first home game of 2010 for the T-Breds played in daylight savings time. As a result the the first pitch thrown by Lopez at 7:12 pm was in sunlight. The Coral Park lead off batter sent that first offering of the game against the fence in left field for a lead off first pitch double. The second Ram batter lined a 1-1 pitch into center field for a base hit. The runner from second rounded third and was sent home. Hialeah center fielder Cody Fulton played the bounce of the ball perfectly and fired perhaps the best strike of the game homeward on one bounce into the waiting mitt of catcher Robert Llera. What at first had appeared to be an opening run for the Rams turned out to be not a close play at the plate for the first out of the inning. Two fly outs ended the early threat. It would be as close as Coral Park would come.

Rodney Woodberry takes his lead off first against Coral Park at Alex Fernandez Field. Hialeah won the contest 4-1.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Taking their turn at the bat in the first inning lead off hitter and third baseman Rangel Ravelo was awarded a base on balls. The next batsman, second baseman Randy Santiesteban hit a sharp grounder to third. A tailor made double play. Things in this game were not as they would first appear however. The relay from third was muffed by the Rams second baseman putting runners on the corners with no outs. After Santiesteban was caught stealing, shortstop Michael DeJesus singled to right bringing Ravelo home for the game's first run. The base hit by DeJesus turned into three bases as the ball was mishandled in right field putting DeJesus on third thanks to the second error of the inning. First baseman Justin Garcia then lined a 0-1 pitch into center with two outs driving DeJesus in. As the golden luminous turned into twilight's last gleaming and nighttime fell, the T-Breds led 2-0 after one. A lead they would never relinquish.

Andres Barroso closing the game out for the T-Breds against Coral Park. Barroso pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning striking out two in the 4-1 Hialeah victory at Alex Fernandez Field.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Hialeah took a window of opportunity offered by the Rams in the third and made the most of it scoring three runs only one of which was earned. DeJesus leading the inning off went after at a 2-1 pitch sending a high arch upwards and outbound into the Hialeah night. The spheroid left the confines of Alex Fernandez Field at its deepest point in right center. This was the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air that Francis Scott Key had written about. The home run, the first of the season for DeJesus, made it a 3-0 Hialeah lead at that point. DeJesus had quite an evening going 3-4 with a double to compliment the round tripper, two runs and two RBIs. The T-Breds were not quite done with the inning though. They had only begun to fight. The home run by DeJesus chased the Ram starter from the hill. The T-Breds greeted his relief sending eight more batters to the plate batting around in the inning. Following DeJesus, Llera was awarded a base on balls. He was courtesy run for by Rodney Woodberry. Justin Garcia then singled to center. Garcia had himself a 3-4 game. Right fielder Josiel Garcia followed and laid down a well executed bunt on the first pitch he saw. The sacrifice put runners on second and third. Designated hitter Sergio Gonzalez was then intentionally walked loading the bases. The move somewhat backfired as the next batsman, left fielder Alvino Burrola grounded into a fielder's choice forcing Woodberry at the plate but an errant throw allowed Justin Garcia to score. Gonzalez who had received the intentional free pass would himself score on the second Ram miscue of the inning. In all the T-Breds took full advantage of Coral Park hospitality scoring four unearned runs from four errors.

Leading 5-0 Andres Barroso came in from the bull pen and up onto the hill to close the game. Barroso pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning striking out two on ten pitches. He combined with starter Lopez for Hialeah's second shut out of the season.

March 18, 2010 - Miami Springs Golden Hawks vs Hialeah High T-Breds

Hialeah catcher Robert Llera in action against Miami Springs at Dunkel Field. Llera led the visiting T-Breds at the plate going 3-4 with an RBI. Hialeah won the district contest 4-1.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

A run here, a run there in this afternoon game. Although the visiting T-Breds used their aluminum to produce 11 hits against Miami Springs, runs were not as plentiful to come by at Shelly Dunkel Field on the Golden Hawk campus. Still, Hialeah did give junior Robert Rodriguez (2-1) more help than he would need in this district game. Rodriguez turned in his best performance to date with a complete game three hit outing as the T-Breds defeated the Golden Hawks 4-1. Rodriguez needed only 68 pitches, less than 10 per inning, to give the Hialeah pitching staff its first complete game of the year. In doing so the right hander did not surrender a base on balls and allowed only five runners of any kind on base. The victory raises Hialeah's overall record to 6-4 on the year and 4-1 in district.

As visitors in their annual trip across the river, the T-Breds took their turn at the bat first. Getting right to work in the first inning, Hialeah took advantage of some Miami Springs hospitality. With one out in the inning second baseman Randy Santiesteban reached second on an errant throw. Then with two outs and the outfield playing back, catcher and clean up hitter Robert Llera lifted a Texas leaguer to left field. The shallow fly ball eluded the diving Golden Hawk left fielder giving Llera an RBI double scoring Santiesteban and giving the T-Breds an early 1-0 advantage. Almost immediately Miami Springs equaled the score. The Golden Hawk lead off batter offered at an 0-2 pitch and reached on an infield hit to start the bottom of the inning. With two outs in the frame an RBI triple down the right field line made it a 1-1 game at that point giving the impression that the game could turn into a shootout. However, Rodriguez had other ideas. Not only was the runner in garnet and gold stranded at third, he would be the last Miami Springs runner to reach base until the seventh inning. Rodriguez proceeded to retire the next 16 Golden Hawks in succession.

Hialeah left fielder Alvino Burrola sending the ball through the right side for an RBI single against Miami Springs. The hit in the fourth inning at Dunkel Field drove in the go ahead run for the T-Breds. Burrola was 2-4 with the RBI and two stolen bases in the 4-1 Hialeah victory.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Starting the fourth inning right where he had left off, Llera came out swinging. The T-Bred catcher singled to left in the at that point 1-1 game. Llera was courtesy run for by Rodney Woodberry. Following at the bat first baseman Justin Garcia came through with a hit and run play sending the first pitch he saw through the right side putting runners on the corners with no outs. With one out designated hitter Sergio Gonzalez was intentionally walked to load the bases. The obvious rational is that Miami Springs was looking for an inning ending double play. The move backfired though as left fielder Alvino Burrola, next at the bat, singled through the right side on a 2-2 pitch scoring Woodberry with the go ahead run. Hialeah would leave the bases loaded but had given Rodriguez who had no intention of allowing anything, a one run lead. The T-Breds made it a two run cushion in the fifth. Shortstop Michael DeJesus doubled to right field. Llera, as he had done in his previous two at bats, hit safely. This time a single to left putting runners on the corners. Llera finished the afternoon going 3-4. Justin Garcia grounded to second for the second out of the inning but in the process he drove DeJesus in.

One more T-Bred run in the sixth made it a comfortable 4-1. Kristopher Cardet singled to right starting the inning. Alvino Burrola followed with a hit through the left side putting two on. Burrola finished going 2-4. Center fielder Cody Fulton was awarded a base on balls loading the bases full of T-Breds. Rangel Ravelo, who was having a quiet afternoon as lead off batter, then quickly fell into an 0-2 hole. Ravelo worked the count full and then fouled off three pitches in a row. He sent the ninth pitch of the plate appearance into deep center field for an RBI sacrifice fly scoring Cardet. As the case in the forth inning, the T-Breds left the bases full. In all. Hialeah stranded 10 runners.

Leading off the sixth inning Hialeah designated hitter Kristopher Cardet sends a drive to right for a base hit against Miami Springs. Cardet would eventually come around to score in the 4-1 T-Bred victory at Dunkel Field.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Miami Springs tried to mount a last inning come back as their lead off batter in the seventh reached on an error. Arriving at second via a wild pitch, the runner was sent home on a single to right. Right fielder Josiel Garcia fired off a laser guided missile home reaching the glove of catcher Llera in plenty of time to tag the runner out. Although it was only the first out of the inning, the play at the plate more or less ended the contest. Two more outs were quickly recorded sending the T-Breds back across the river with a victory in hand.

Hialeah turns right back around and plays their second district game in as many days. The T-Breds will host the Coral Park Rams Friday night at Alex Fernandez Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

March 11, 2010 - Coral Reef Barracudas vs Hialeah High T-Breds

Lead off hitter Randy Santiesteban taking his lead at first base against Coral Reef. The T-Bred second baseman was 1-3 with a run scored against the Barracudas at Alex Fernandez Field.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

This is starting to get uncomfortably familiar. T-Breds take early lead only to lose it. T-Breds retake the lead late in the game but can't hold on. So it was in the non district meeting with the Coral Reef Barracudas at Alex Fernandez Field. Hialeah dropped a 7-3 decision after leading 2-0 early on and then 3-2 in the sixth. The Barracudas batted around sending nine to the plate and scoring five runs in the sixth, an inning which saw two T-Bred errors, to clinch the victory. Junior right hander Randy Lopez was charged with the loss. His record now stands at 2-2 for the year. The T-Breds fall to 5-4.

As in two of the previous three losses, the T-Breds jumped out in front to start the game. Right fielder Josiel Garcia singled to center in the first. He was driven in by a base hit to right off the bat of catcher Robert Llera. It could have been more. Hialeah put together three hits in the bottom of the first but could only manage the one run as lead off Randy Santiesteban who had been awarded a base on balls was called out at the plate on a close call on the play before Garcia scored. The T-Breds rallied with two outs in the second to scratch out another run. Santiesteban singled through the left side on a full count. He would score all the way from first on a triple by Josiel Garcia down the right line making it 2-0 after two.

T-Breds first baseman Justin Garcia at bat against Coral Reef. The junior went 1-2 with a stolen base and two bases on balls in a 7-3 loss to the Barracudas at Alex Fernandez Field.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Prosperity was not to last however. Three singles along with three stolen bases netted the Barracudas an equalizing two runs in the fourth. Playing a bit of the same game, the T-Breds retook the lead in the fifth with another two out rally. Llera lined a single down the left field line. The ball actually hit third base on its way down the line. Rodney Woodberry courtesy ran for Llera and promptly stole second. Now in scoring position, Woodberry came home with the T-Breds third run on a single to center by first baseman Justin Garcia.

Then the bottom fell out in the sixth. Hialeah flirted with a comeback as they had runners on second and third in the bottom of the sixth and then runners on first and second in the seventh but could not bring them across in either case. Both teams collected nine hits apiece. The glaring difference was four errors for the T-Breds as opposed to one for Coral Reef. In a losing cause, Robert Llera led the attack for Hialeah going 2-3 with a base on balls and one RBI.

Hialeah will now will travel across the river visiting Miami Springs to face the district rival Golden Hawks on St. Patrick's Day. The T-Breds return to Alex Fernandez Field on the 19 to host the Coral Park Rams in another district contest.

March 10, 2010 - Miami High Stingarees vs Hialeah High T-Breds

Maybe it was the new uniforms. Whatever the reason the T-Breds exploded for 14 hits, nine of them in the fifth inning, to take a 13-2 five inning decision from Miami High at Curtis Park. Hialeah bats were responsible for seven extra base hits, four doubles, one triple and two home runs in the hit parade. The district win raises Hialeah's overall record to 5-3 and 3-1 in the district. Junior Robert Rodriguez pitched four innings to earn his first victory of the year. The right hander allowed four hits and one earned run while striking out four Stingarees. His record in 2010 is now 1-1.

Playing as visitors the T-Breds wore their new gray vest uniforms for the first time this year. Getting right to work in the first inning, Hialeah gave Rodriguez all the help he would need in their first at bat. The T-Breds scored four in the first and would never lose the lead. With one out right fielder Josiel Garcia got the ball rolling literally with a slow rolling excuse me hit to the Stingaree third baseman. Rangel Ravelo, the T-Bred third baseman, followed with a double to left putting runners at second and third. Shortstop Michael DeJesus was then awarded a full count base on balls loading the bases full of T-Breds. Catcher Robert Llera offered at the first pitch he saw sending a fly to extremely deep center field. The sacrifice which was caught at the fence, drove in Josiel Garcia with the first run of the game. With two now aboard first baseman Justin Garcia sent a 2-2 pitch amply over the right field fence. The three run homer was Hialeah's first of the year.

The gray vested T-Breds added one more in the third on a carbon copy of a play from the first inning. Josiel Garcia led the inning off with a single down the right field line. He was on third with one out when Robert Llera, as in the first inning, offered at the first pitch he saw and with the same result. A sacrifice fly to center scoring Garcia. Llera would finish with a productive night on offense without an official at bat. He was 0-0 with a base on balls and the two sacrifices which resulted in two RBIs. Josiel Garcia went 2-3 with the two runs scored. Other notables were Rangel Ravelo who went 2-2 with two doubles and second baseman Randy Santiesteban who was 2-4 with a triple and a double. Special mention should be made of center fielder Cody Fulton who was 1-2. His one hit was a double to left which missed leaving the premises by not inches but (appropriately enough on FCAT testing week) centimeters as the ball hit the top of the fence and came back into play. Not wanting to overstay their welcome, the T-Breds made it an early night at Curtis Park by sending twelve batsmen to the plate in the fifth scoring eight runs. The highlight of the inning was a two run homer by left fielder Alvino Burrola. The junior smacked at a 1-2 pitch and sent a liner on a frozen rope over the left field fence. The ball hit a light tower beyond the fence with such force that it bounced back onto the field. For Burrola, the eight spot hitter in the line up, it was his first quadrangular as a T-Bred. The inning finished with four successive singles by pinch hitters. Hector Molina, Hector Perez, Carlos Malvarez and Lener Coira all came off the bench and made productive use of their chance. The twelve run lead was more than enough cushion for the Hialeah defense. Senior Jhonny McCrea, normally a middle infielder, took to the hill in relief of Rodriguez. Although McCrea did give up an earned run he did surprisingly well. 15 of the 19 pitches he threw in the inning were for strikes. The experiment quite possibly produced another arm at the disposal of the Hialeah pitching staff. The game was stopped after five due to the 10 run mercy rule.

The T-Breds return to Alex Fernandez Field to play on back to back dates for the first time this season. Hialeah will host Coral Reef in a non district game Thursday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

March 2, 2010 - Coral Gables Cavaliers vs Hialeah High T-Breds

Mind you it's not the losing that's bothersome. In dropping an 11-3 decision to Coral Gables at Alex Fernandez Field, it was the way the T-Breds went about doing it that was troubling. The district loss moved Hialeah to 4-3 on the season while their district record now stands at 2-1. After a promising start to the season which saw timely hitting and error free defense, the T-Bred gloves committed four miscues allowing the Cavaliers the luxury of six unearned runs. Offensively, even though Hialeah collected eight hits on the night, the T-Breds could only muster two innings with more than one hit after the first. On a night where the game started with a 20 mile an hour cross wind, the T-Breds didn't do themselves any favors by hitting the ball upwards. 11 of their allotted 21 outs where as a result of a ball in the air.

Junior right handed T-Bred pitcher Randy Lopez started off well. Working through a lead off error, Lopez retired the side without giving up a run. The Cavaliers left the bases full without getting a hit in the opening frame. Lopez did issue two bases on balls however which would be a sign of things to come. Taking their turn at the bat Hialeah got off to an early 3-0 lead. Second baseman Randy Saniesteban started the T-Bred attack with a lead off hit to right center. Right fielder Josiel Garcia followed with a single to center which was misplayed putting runners at second and third. Shortstop Michael DeJesus grounded into a 4-6-3 double play but Santiesteban scored the game's first run in the process. Catcher Robert Llera stung on a hard hit ball which was redirected by the Cavalier pitcher for an RBI infield hit scoring Garcia. First baseman Justin Garcia then singled up the middle for an RBI hit. The early 3-0 would be very short lived. Coral Gables scored five, all unearned, in the top of the second despite collecting only one hit in the inning. The Cavaliers took advantage of three bases on balls and two T-Bred errors to take the 5-3 lead and run with it.

Coral Gables would break the game open in the fourth. The Cavaliers started the inning with four singles in a row chasing Lopez from the hill. Lopez gave up only five hits altogether and as mentioned four of them in the fourth. It was free passes that got Lopez in trouble. Getting deep into counts, Lopez issued seven bases on balls. His defense failing him did not help. Of the nine runs scored by the Cavaliers as a result of his tenure, three of them were earned. Lopez was relieved by junior Raul Garcia. The right hander was immediately greeted by yet another T-Bred error as a failed pickoff attempt at first sent the runner all the way to third. A passed ball would add another run to the T-Bred's misery. Garcia was able to rebound and pitch well. In four innings of work Garcia struck out six. Randy Lopez was charged with the loss. His record is now 2-1 on the year.

Robert Llera led the Hialeah attack. He was 2-3 with an RBI. Randy Santiesteban followed going 2-4 in a losing cause. Defensively, Llera and Santiesteban teamed twice, once on a pick off at first and again on a caught stealing both in the third inning. These two plays were more than overshadowed however by the otherwise shoddy T-Bred glove work.

Next up for Hialeah is a trip to Curtis Park this Thursday. There the T-Breds will visit Miami High as they continue in district play.

February 26, 2010 - Miami Northwestern Bulls vs Hialeah High T-Breds

Starting pitcher Josiel Garcia taking his sign against Northwestern. The left hander was credited with the win. His first of the year in the T-Breds 14-1 five inning victory over the Bulls.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Getting out of the cool night air at Alex Fernandez Field as soon as possible while picking up a district victory was the overall idea. The T-Breds met both goals quickly dispatching the Northwestern Bulls in their first of two meetings for 2010. The 14-1 five inning district win raised Hialeah's overall record to 4-2 with their district card now showing at 2-0. Since the contest was one sided from the onset it gave the reserves a chance at playing experience. Every T-Bred position player saw field action. A trio of Hialeah pitchers, left handed Josiel Garcia along with right handers Randy Castro and Lazaro Oller collectively turned in the T-Breds first no-hitter of the year. Garcia started the game by hitting Northwestern's lead off batter. That base runner was erased on a strike out-throw out caught stealing double play. Garcia ended the inning with a looking strike out. In the bottom of the inning the T-Breds sent eleven batsmen to the plate scoring eight runs highlighted by a bases loaded triple off the bat of left fielder Hector Molina. The situation was never really in doubt after that. Only the question of how long would this take remained. Hialeah scored six more runs in the second assuring themselves of at least a 10 run lead. Now all that was needed was to get to the fifth inning. After the sixth run in the second and with only one out in the inning any T-Bred runner who reached base by any means, hit, walk or error, was instructed to keep running and get himself tagged out. This assured that mercy would be applied to the 10 run mercy rule.

As it was, third baseman Rangel Ravelo, first baseman Kristopher Cardet and right fielder Alvino Burrola all collected doubles. Burrola was 2-2 with the two bagger, two runs scored and an RBI on his birthday. Rodney Westberry who came in to play left field in the third singled up the middle for his first hit as a T-Bred. All told, Hialeah totaled 11 hits. Josiel Garcia was credited with the win to go 1-0. Garcia had five strikeouts. He was relieved by Randy Castro who struck out one. Lazaro Oller closed the game by striking out the side, the first two looking, in the fifth.

Hialeah will now face Coral Gables Tuesday night at Alex Fernandez Field. The contest will feature this year's first meeting of the two top ranked teams in the district. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

February 25, 2010 - HML Trojans vs Hialeah High T-Breds

Perhaps the only bright spot for the T-Breds. Robert Rodriguez pitched the final two and one third innings against Hialeah-Miami Lakes. Rodriguez struck out three.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

If the 2010 edition of the T-Bred nine needed a wake up call, they got one. Hialeah dropped a 10-9 decision to a game and determined Hialeah-Miami Lakes Trojan side. It was the only time the cross town rivals would meet in the regular season this year. The home loss at Alex Fernandez Field marked the first time the the Trojans had defeated Hialeah since 2004. Collectively, the T-Breds were sloppy in every aspect of the game. The pitching staff surrendered eight basses on balls and a hit batsman. Defensively, Hialeah who had committed only two errors in the previous four games were charged with five. Offensively, the T-Breds did not score an earned run. With the non district loss Hialeah's record is now 3-2 on the young season.

Starting off well enough, the T-Breds jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the first inning. Right fielder Josiel Garcia took advantage of some Trojan hospitality reaching on an error, advancing to second on a passed ball then scoring on two wild pitches. Catcher Robert Llera singled up the middle scoring third baseman Rangel Ravelo who had previously drawn a four pitch base on balls. Designated hitter Kristopher Cardet singled through the right side driving in Rodney Westberry who was courtesy running for Llera. First baseman Justin Garcia scored via a balk to round out the first. The T-Breds could not hold the lead for long however. As with his previous start, Hialeah pitcher Andres Barroso got into trouble in the early going. In this case, with two outs in the second. Barroso at that point suffered through three hits, one of them a double and three bases on balls giving up six runs before being relieved after an inning and two thirds by Raul Garcia. The Trojans sent ten batters to the plate in their at bat Hialeah got one of the runs back in the bottom of the frame on an odd play. Second baseman Randy Santiesteban, the T-Bred lead off hitter, started the inning off with a double to right. Santiesteban never stopped running and scored on two successive errors during the play. Score after two, Trojans 6-T-Breds 5.

Hialeah was able to retake the lead in the fourth playing a bit of small ball. Center fielder and ninth hitter Alvino Burrola started the rally with a lead off single to left. He advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Santiesteban. Josiel Garcia hen tried his hand at a sacrifice bunt of his own. Garcia advanced to second and Burrola scored on a throwing error. With two outs, Llera doubled to left scoring Garcia and giving the T-Breds a 7-6 advantage at the time. Llera led all T-Breds going 2-3 with two RBIs.

The Trojans retook the lead, this time for good, in the fifth as Hialeah pitcher Raul Garcia in his third inning of work suddenly couldn't find the plate. Garcia allowed three bases on balls and hit a batter to go along with a run scoring single giving up three runs. An errant throw by the defense gave the Trojans another gift run making it four in the inning. Garcia was relieved by Robert Rodriguez. In perhaps the one bright spot for Hialeah on this cool evening, Rodriguez kept the Trojans in check for the final two and one third innings striking out three. But the damage had been done. The T-Breds were down three in the bottom of the seventh. A late rally produced two runs with the equalizing run in the humanity of Alvino Burrola in scoring position at second with only one out. Burrola was stranded there however along with the T-Breds last hopes. Raul Garcia was charged with the loss. His record now stands at 1-1.

Hialeah will return in action at Alex Fernandez Field this Friday night in a District Game against Miami Northwestern. The game originally scheduled as an away contest has been switched. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

February 19, 2010 - 2010 Akadema Pro Battle at the Ridge - Hialeah High T-Breds vs Killian Cougars

Hialeah pitcher Robert Rodriguez taking his sign against Killian. It was the T-Bred's third and final game of the "Battle of the Ridge" played at the campus of Southridge.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

"Two out of three ain't bad." Meat Loaf, et al.Despite losing their final game at the "Battle of the Ridge" to Killian 7-2, the T-Breds came out of the annual start of the season trip down to Southridge with a very respectable 2-1 record. All the more so when it is considered that the three opponents faced, Palmetto, Southridge and Killian were all ranked among Miami-Dade county's top ten teams. The T-Breds now return home for the start of their district play.

Against Killian the T-Breds sent out junior Robert Rodriguez to the hill on what would be considered a frigid night by south Florida standards. All three games were played in cooler than usual weather. Rodriguez gave up a run in the first as the Killian lead off batter reached and then was driven in by the Cougar's three spot hitter. The same combination struck again in the third inning. Lead off getting aboard, this time by a well placed first pitch bunt down the third base line. Then he was again brought home by the Cougar's third hitter. Score after three, Cougars 2-T-Breds 0. Hialeah, playing this game as home team, had an early opportunity in the bottom of the first. With one out right fielder Josiel Garcia singled to left on an 1-0 pitch. He would be stranded there however. Garcia was the only T-Bred base runner until the fourth when shortstop Michael DeJesus and catcher Robert Llera were both awarded back to back base on balls with two outs in the inning. Both would be marooned however. Garcia's single in the first would be the only T-Bred hit until the sixth inning. Down 4-0 in the sixth, second baseman Randy Santiesteban led the inning off with a surprise bunt on a 1-1 pitch. The game was delayed for several minutes as medical staff saw to Santiesteban after he had reached first. The throw from the catcher attempting to retire him hit Santiesteban in the back of the head as he stepped on the bag. Being a game player, Santiesteban continued. With one out, third baseman Rangel Ravelo drew a full count base on balls putting two on. DeJesus then sent a 2-1 pitch into left field for a two RBI double scoring both runners. With one inning left to go the T-Breds had drawn within striking distance now down only 4-2.

Rodriguez was lifted after the sixth inning. He gave up four runs on eight hits while striking out five. Struggling at times and taking his pitch count a bit high, Rodriguez had kept the T-Breds with their up to the sixth inning, quiet bats, in the game. Rodriguez was relieved by right fielder Josiel Garcia. To have a chance in the bottom of the seventh, the T-Breds would have to hold the game where it was. That did not happen. Killian roughed Garcia up for three runs in the inning making the final 7-2 in a game that should have perhaps been closer. Hialeah finished the game with only three hits and six base runners of any kind.

The T-Breds now return to the friendly confines of Alex Fernandez Field for their first district game against the Miami Beach Hi-Tides this coming Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 pm. On Thursday, Hialeah will meet Hialeah -Miami Lakes in their annual cross town rivalry. Being as the two teams are no longer in the same district, it will be their only meeting this year.

February 17, 2010 - 2010 Akadema Pro Battle at the Ridge - Hialeah High T-Breds vs Southridge Spartans

Hialeah left fielder Hector Molina taking his lead off first. Playing against host Southridge in the "Battle of the Ridge" the T-Breds shelled out a 17 hit attack as they defeated the Spartans 14-5. Molina went 3-5 with three runs scored.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Whoever said getting there was half the fun was never on a south Florida expressway during rush hour. Getting "there" that being Robbie Smith Field on the campus of Southridge to play in their second game in the "Battle of the Ridge" against the host Spartans was an adventure for the T-Breds. Boarding a bus that was more than an hour and a half late Hialeah encountered not only the heaviest traffic volume of the day but also road construction. Arriving 20 minutes before game time, the T-Breds had barely enough time to stretch and warm up. Having had no time for batting practice, the T-Breds took their hacks live. Exploding for six hits and five runs in the first, Hialeah totaled up 17 hits altogether defeating Southridge 14-5.

With one out in the top of the first, Hialeah right fielder Josiel Garcia got the hit parade rolling with a single down the right field line. Third baseman Rangel Ravelo followed with a first pitch blooper into No Man's Land just beyond the Spartan second baseman's reach into short center. Shortstop Mike DeJesus, also offering at the first pitch singled to right driving Garcia home for the T-Bred's first run. Catcher Robert Llera then sent a 2-0 pitch off the wall in right center for an RBI double scoring Ravelo. First baseman Justin Garcia followed with a two RBI single to center. Designated hitter Kristopher Cardet singled to center. He was then involved in a failed pick off attempt. Although Cardet did not advance, Justin Garcia was able to score on the error. Hialeah batted around in the first sending nine to the plate. Perhaps transportation should be late in arriving more often.

Hialeah designated hitter Kristopher Cardet taking his turn at the bat against Southridge. It was the second game at the "Battle of the Ridge" for the visiting T-Breds. Cardet was 2-4 with a base on balls and a run scored in the 14-5 Hialeah victory.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Taking a 5-0 lead into the third, the T-Breds added three more to their lead starting with an odd play. Justin Garcia hit a very high infield pop up. The Spartan third baseman slipped as he was camping under the ball which fell for an infield hit. Left fielder Hector Molina sent a first pitch delivery into right field to score Justin Garcia. Both Molina and center fielder Alvino Burrola who had been awarded a base on balls would take advantage of a Southridge fielding miscue and score on the error. Now with what seemed a comfortable lead, the game was about to get interesting for the T-Breds. Hialeah starting pitcher Andres Barroso who had not given up a hit in the first two innings ran out of gas. The Spartans put together five consecutive hits, four four singles and a triple to plate five runs. None of the hits were cheap. Barroso avoided further damage but after three it was now a little less comfortable for the T-Breds as their once ample lead was now only three at 8-5.

Hialeah counter attacked answering the Spartan rally with one of their own in the top of the fourth. With two outs in the inning Cardet and Molina both singled. Both would come home on wild pitches. Burrola drew a four pitch base on balls. His second free pass in as many innings. He would score on Randy Santiesteban's double to left. Leading 11-5, the T-Breds made sure they wouldn't have to look over their shoulder again. Relieving Barroso in the bottom of the fourth, right hander Raul Garcia made his T-Bred debut. Garcia made sure the door of opportunity would not open again for the Spartans. Going the final four innings Garcia allowed three hits, all singles and one of them a bunt while striking out four to earn his first victory as a T-Bred.

Hialeah pitcher Raul Garcia in his T-Bred debut. Garcia pitched four innings in relief striking out four in route to his first career victory. Hialeah playing as visitors against Southridge at the "Battle of the Ridge" won the game 14-5.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Getting as much work in as possible to make up for the lack of pre game batting practice, the T-Bred bats added three more runs in the seventh. Robert Llera led the inning off with the same sort of result he had in the first inning. Llera hit the wall in center for a double. The T-Bred receptor finished the night 2-5 both hits being doubles that just missed leaving the accommodations of Robbie Smith Field. Justin Garcia and Hector Molina then both singled. Both would eventually come in to score. Both were productive in the cold night air. Both went 3-5 scoring three runs apiece. The T-Breds are now 2-0 on the young 2010 season. They now face Killian in their final game of the "Battle of the Ridge" on Friday night.

February 16, 2010 - 2010 Akadema Pro Battle at the Ridge - Palmetto Panthers vs Hialeah High T-Breds

Hialeah lead off batter Randy Santiesteban trying to go the other way in the opening game of the "Battle of the Ridge" against Palmetto. Santiesteban went 1-3 and scored three runs in the regular season opener for the T-Breds. Hialeah won the contest 12-2.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Do not let the score fool you. For much of the "Battle of the Ridge" opening game, it was a close contest. Both the Hialeah T-Breds, playing as visitors and the Palmetto Panthers, designated as the host team, were playing in their regular season opener at Robbie Smith Field located on the campus of Southridge High.. What was a 2-2 tie in the beginning of the fifth and still anyone's game turned at that point into a merry go round of runs for the T-Breds. Hialeah scored three in the fifth, four in the sixth and another three in the seventh as they defeated the Panthers 12-2 in a full seven inning game. Starting T-Bred pitcher, junior Randy Lopez went six inning allowing six hits, all singles, while striking out two to earn his first victory of the 2010 campaign.

Opening day jitters were evident on the part of the Panthers in the first inning. Back to back errors on the first two Hialeah batsmen put lead off second baseman Randy Santiesteban on third and right fielder Josiel Garcia who follows him at the bat on first with no outs to start the game. Catcher Robert Llera sent a 2-1 pitch deep enough into center to score Santiesteban on a sacrifice fly for the first run of the game. A failed pickoff attempt, the third Panther miscue of the inning allowed Garcia to come in with the T-Bred's second run. The lead was not to last however as Palmetto equaled the score in the bottom of the frame. Lopez was touched for three singles and two earned runs. Both runs came as a result of a double steal and a two out hit. Daring base running and timely hitting had put the Panthers right back into the game. Settling down, Lopez scattered three hits, the same number as he had given up in the first through the next five innings.

Former Hialeah first baseman Justin Garcia recording one of his six put outs against Palmetto in the opening game of the "Battle of the Ridge." The T-Breds won the regular season opener 12-2.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Not that the T-Breds were doing too much offensively in the early going. Hialeah collected its first hit of the game in the fourth. Left fielder Hector Molina offered at the first pitch he saw and doubled to right center with one out. Reaching third on a passed ball, the T-Breds had their biggest threat since the first. Molina would be marooned there however. Momentum in this so far defensive back and forth game was about to take a quick (emphasis on the quick part) turn. The bottom of the inning brought a psychological mood swing. The first Panther batter of the inning offered at the first pitch flying out to Garcia in right. One pitch, one out. The second batter, again going after the first pitch, fouled out to third baseman Rangel Ravelo. Two pitches, two outs. The third Panther bat up, again trying his luck with the first selection, flew out to Garcia in right. Three pitches, three outs. The quickest of all possible defensive stanzas not only allowed Lopez to remain in the game longer, it brought the T-Breds back up to bat just as they were starting to get some offensive feel for the game. Where just a moment before they had collected their first hit, Hialeah dished out two more in a row combined with two bases on balls and a hit batsman that preceded the untouchables. Josiel Garcia led the inning off by promptly being hit with the first pitch of his at bat. With one out, shortstop Michael DeJesus was awarded a full count base on balls. With two outs first baseman Justin Garcia drew the second base on balls of the inning to juice the bases full of T-Breds. Designated hitter Kristopher Cardet stung the first pitch he saw in the at bat into right for a two run single scoring Josiel Garcia and DeJesus. The next batter, left fielder Molina who had gotten the T-Breds first hit what seemed only a few minutes before thanks to the quickie three pitch bottom of the fourth, followed with a single of his own to right scoring Justin Garcia. Molina finished the afternoon going 2-4.

Hialeah catcher Robert Llera sending it deep enough to center for a sacrifice fly in the first inning of the opening game of the "Battle of the Ridge" season opener against Palmetto. Llera added another RBI in the sixth as the T-Breds won the contest 12-2.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Now with a 5-2 lead, by no means a sure thing, Lopez seemed to get stronger as he went. The T-Bred defense happy to help him. Hialeah played error less ball. From this point on, confidence for the T-Breds in one another had the game securely in hand. Hialeah put the game away in the sixth with a four run frame. Santiesteban led the inning off with a full count base on balls. Josiel Garcia then ripped a double down the left field line pitting runners on second and third. Wanting nothing to do with Ravelo, the Panthers intentionally walked him loading the bases. DeJesus hit into a fielder's choice with no out recorded driving Saniesteban in. A wild pitch brought Alvino Burrola who had pinch run for Josiel Garcia in. Llera drove Ravelo home and reached base himself on an errant throw. Justin Garcia grounded out but in the process drove home DeJesus. All four runs being driven in without the benefit of a hit.

Three more runs in the top of the seventh put the game convincingly out of reach. With one out, Santiesteban singled to left. While that might have been the second baseman's only hit of the game, he did his job as a lead off batter getting on four of his five plate appearances. As Santiesteban scored on a wild pitch in the seventh, he crossed the plate three of the four times he was on base. Pinch hitter Sergio Gonzalez finished out the scoring by hitting a two run double right over first and down the right field line. Lazaro Oller made his Hialeah debut in the bottom of the inning relieving Lopez. Oller gave up two hits while striking out one.

Hialeah will next play host Southridge on Wednesday night in their second game at the "Battle of the Ridge."

February 11, 2010 - Hialeah Diamond Pre-Season Classic - American Patriots vs Hialeah High T-Breds

Former Hialeah head coach Carlos Marti throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the T-Breds last game of the pre season at Alex Fernandez Field. Hialeah defeated American 8-2.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Some, specifically those living in northern states and currently under several feet of snow, might consider the game time temperature of 61 degrees downright balmy.

To the local gentry at Alex Fernandez Field however the weather was definitely on the nippy side of cool for the final game of the pre season tournament between the visiting American Patriots and the home standing Hialeah T-Breds. Hialeah used a five hit attack, three of them doubles, to stay warm as they defeated the Patriots 8-2 and finish the pre season 2-0.

Junior Andres Barroso took to the hill for the T-Breds. Barroso who when he brings his game has impressively good stuff, was very effective. Utilizing a deceptive curve ball, Barroso surrendered only one hit while striking out four and allowing no earned runs in four innings of work. Left handed senior Josiel Garcia came in from right field and relieved Barroso in the fifth.The southpaw pitched the fifth and sixth innings. Garcia allowed two hits while striking out a like number two. Junior Hector Molina closed out the game pitching the final inning.

After a scoreless top of the first inning the T-Breds went right to work in their half of the frame. Lead off hitter Randy Santiesteban sent a 1-1 pitch to deep center for a double to start the Hialeah first. After Rangel Ravelo was intentionally walked and with one out, shortstop Michael DeJesus grounded into a fielder's choice but by doing so drove Santiesteban home for the first run of the game. American tied the score at one all in the third thanks to an unearned run but the status quo would not last long. Hialeah answered back in the bottom of the frame with a four run inning. With one out Santiesteban was awarded a full count base on balls. Then with two outs, Ravelo, also on a full count, singled to left putting two aboard. DeJesus then doubled to right driving both runners home. The other two runs of the inning came as a result of some sloppy glove work by the Patriots. Catcher Robert Llera popped up to second. The usually routine put out was dropped allowing Llera to reach second and scoring DeJesus. Jhonny McCrea then courtesy running for Llera scored on a wild pitch and a throwing error. Now leading 5-1, the T-Breds never looked back.

Although the forth inning produced no scoring for either side it did mark the debut of T-Bred freshman Nestor Cortes. Coming in defensively in the top of the frame, Cortes took his position in right field. What followed was a baseball law that seems to govern the universe. Do not ask why this is. We do not know. It is a mystery beyond our understanding. The theorem states: "The ball will find the new guy." Cortes had not been on the field two minutes before he was involved in a play. A high fly ball was sent in the direction of right field. As the ball fell into what shall be called "the sea of Cortes" when he's out there, it was firmly grasped in the glove of the conquistador's namesake for what was the first of what are hoped to be many put outs for the rookie in his T-Bred career.

Leading 5-2, Hialeah put the game away in the sixth sending nine batsmen to the plate for a three run inning. Designated hitter Justin Garcia led the inning off with a double to left in what would oddly be the only hit of the inning. American rather unpatriotically walked four in the inning and hit a batter resulting in Garcia, McCrea and Cody Fulton scoring charity runs. The game ended on a somewhat unorthodox double play. Third baseman Rangel Ravelo who had already turned in a sterling play in the second inning, cleanly handled a ground ball and initiated the around the horn twin killing. Santiesteban at second retired the runner from first but his relay was a bit wide. Llera trailing the batter from his receptor's position very alertly picked up the loose ball behind first and fired a strike to shortstop DeJesus completing the unconventional but never the less effective 5-4-2-6 double play.

Randy Santiesteban led the T-Bred attack going 2-2 with a double, two runs scored, a stolen base and an RBI. Michael DeJesus was 1-2 with a double and three RBIs for his trouble.

February 9, 2010 - Hialeah Diamond Pre-Season Classic - Barbara Goleman Gators vs Hialeah High T-Breds

Hialeah third baseman Rangel Ravelo as he is introduced at the opening day game against Goleman. Ravelo broke up a no hitter in the sixth then tied the score in the bottom of the seventh with a three RBI double before scoring the game winning run.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

As sure a sign of the coming spring as any. More accurate than any groundhog and with the same scientific exactness as the astronomical equinox. Life is renewed. The Earth is reborn. Hope springs eternal. It's opening day. This first game for the 2010 version of the T-Bred nine can be described as...indescribable. Being no hit in the pre-season opener through five and two thirds inning by Goleman and then losing 3-0 with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Hialeah rallied for a not to be believed if not seen 4-3 victory. After the events that unfolded at Alex Fernandez Field, the art of fiction will need to be reworked. Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King would seem as mere amateurs compared to the improbable, the suspense, the shock that stretched the limits of credibility witnessed in the seventh inning. Playing as the host team, Hialeah took to the diamond sending junior Randy Lopez to the hill. Lopez looked sharp through four innings. The right hander gave up five hits, all singles while striking out six in his tenure. All Lopez had to show for his labor was a 1-0 deficit via an unearned run. The first journey into the bizarre which will be here discussed was the non appearance of anything remotely resembling offense for the T-Breds. It seems no one informed the Hialeah bats there was a baseball game to be played. Lead off hitter Randy Santiesteban reached second on a dropped fly ball error. That would be the last T-Bred to reach base until the the fifth inning.

Robert Rodriguez relieved Lopez in the fifth and pitched two workmanlike innings getting in some trouble but managing his way out. As with Lopez, all Rodriguez had to show for a good initial outing was an unearned run. Hialeah managed two base runners in the bottom of the fifth thanks to a base on balls and an error putting runners on second and third. Both would be stranded. The T-Breds trailed 2-0 after five and had not yet come close to their first base hit. Rodriguez pitched two innings surrendering a single while striking out one. A ray of hope shown forth in the bottom of the sixth as with two outs senior third baseman Rangel Ravelo singled up the middle breaking up the would be Gator no hitter. Two successive base on balls then loaded the bases. All three runners were marooned there. The slight but steady rainfall that had begun in the middle of the fifth inning seemed to set a mood of gloom to the T-Bred faithful there assembled.

T-Bred shortstop Michael DeJesus being introduced at the 2010 opening day game against Goleman. DeJesus smashed the game winning hit over the left center field fence driving in Rangel Ravelo. In an odd play, DeJesus did not round the bases and was credited with only a single. Down 3-0 with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Hialeah rallied for four runs in a thrilling come from behind 4-3 victory.
Photo: Robert de la Fe'

Raul Garcia, a newcomer to Hialeah, relieved Rodriguez in the seventh and was greeted in his T-Bred debut with a bunt single and a run scoring double on two pitches. Garcia settled down after giving up the T-Bred pitching staff's only earned run of the night but with no evidence of any sort of offensive spark, the damage seemed to have been done. Going into the bottom of the seventh the T-Breds, in their red jerseys and matching fire engine red Mohawk haircuts, had looked more like glam rocker David Bowie than a ball club up to that point. Then came the bottom of the seventh. Pinch hitter Sergio Gonzalez, another new face in the Hialeah dugout, drew a lead off full count base on balls. Gonzalez was pinch run for by Carlos Malvarez. Following at the bat, catcher Robert Llera who hit a very hard liner right at the Gator third baseman. One out. Center fielder Cody Fulton, the ninth hitter in the order, then singled through the left side for the T-Breds second hit of the evening. Lead off Randy Santiesteban who had been quiet since reaching on the error in the first got very loud all of a sudden. Turning the gloom of just an inning before into an "OH BOY!!" Santiesteban flighted a 1-1 pitch into the fence in left field near the foul pole. The spheroid just missed leaving the premises. The runners that were on base had to hold making sure the ball was not caught. That meant Santiesteban had just collected for his first hit of the season what amounted to about a 330 foot single loading the bases. An infield fly followed however. Two outs. Ravelo followed at the bat and was quickly in an 0-2 hole. He who plays at the T-Bred hot corner then fouled off two pitches and worked the count full. On the eighth pitch he saw Ravelo transported the at that point almost lost Hialeah cause from the confines of Alex Fernandez Field to the municipal boundary of Suffragette City. Ravelo ripped a smash into the fence in right center for a stand up double clearing the bases and equaling the game. Scoring was Malvarez. Scoring was Fulton. Scoring was Santiesteban. Standing on second representing the winning run was Ravelo. As improbable, as nerve wracking, as surreal as what just had occurred seemed, the game was about to get spiders from Mars (to keep with the Bowie motif) weird. Senior shortstop Michael DeJesus now took his place at the bat. DeJesus got a hold of a 1-2 offering sending it in the general direction of the next star system. Ground control could radio Major Tom letting him know that this one was coming his way. Where just a moment before the T-Breds were losing 3-0 and down to their last strike, as the ball sailed over the left center field fence, Ravelo came home with the walk off winning run. Hialeah had won 4-3. Overcome with joy, DeJesus stopped running after touching first and joined in the celebration. So even though he had hit the ball out, DeJesus was officially credited with only an RBI single.

The T-Breds finished with five hits. Four of them coming in the seventh inning. Hialeah plays in their second and last game of the pre-season tournament on Thursday against the American Patriots at Alex Fernandez Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 pm.