Jupiter-Douglas final suspended by lightning

Jupiter and Douglas will have to wait another day to determine who will advance to the state baseball tournament.

Playing in the Class 9A regional finals, the Palm Beach and Broward powers finished eight innings of play knotted up 4-4, but were chased off the field due to a lightning delay.

The game, which started at 4 p.m. due to Douglas’ lack of field lights, was officially postponed until today because of weather and darkness.

The teams will resume play at 4 p.m. at Douglas entering the top of the ninth inning. The winner will face either Orlando Timber Creek or Tampa Alonso in the state semifinals in Fort Myers on June 2.

In a rematch of last year’s regional final, which Douglas won 2-1 en route to a state and national championship, Jupiter stormed out to a 4-0 lead after three innings thanks to its potent top of the order. Facing University of Miami signee Brandon Kaminer, shortstop Anthony Servideo and centerfielder Reese Albert each went 2-for-2 with two runs scored to put the Warriors up 4-0.

After the initial shellshock, the Eagles rallied in the fifth inning. Chad McDaniel blasted a solo home run to open up the frame and then Jacob Stanley and John Rodriguez each drove in runs off Jupiter ace Zach Chivers to cut the deficit to 4-3.

In the sixth, Douglas completed the comeback as Spencer Dubay ripped an RBI double to left field to even the score at 4-4. Jupiter and Douglas’ bullpen depth will be on display as each tries to advance to the states.