First-inning runs hold up as Palm Beach Central advances

WELLINGTON — Palm Beach Central made another statement to clinch a berth in the state semifinals. The host Broncos gained momentum with a two-run first and they had three pitchers step up with strong performances as they defeated Flanagan 3-1 in a Class 9A baseball regional final on Wednesday.

Palm Beach Central (23-6) advanced to the state semifinal for the first time since 2004 and they will play either Seminole or Olympia on May 30 at 10 a.m. in Fort Myers.

After the Falcons (20-5-1) took an early 1-0 lead, the Broncos responded in the bottom of the first. Senior Ramon Molina had a sacrifice fly RBI to score junior CJ Kayfus from third. Junior Michael Brooks also scored from second on the play after a throwing error and the Broncos would never relinquish the lead.

“We stuck together and never panicked and it was important after getting behind to score the two runs in the first,” Palm Beach Central coach Tony Gullo said. “I am so elated for the players and our assistant coaches who work so hard. It’s a great moment and experience for our school.”

The Broncos pushed across another run in the third on senior Jason Neff ’s sacrifice fly, scoring Kayfus to extend the lead to 3-1.

The Falcons offense was limited to five hits in the contest. Junior Ethan Wilder started for the Broncos and tossed 31⁄3 innings while allowing four hits with five strikeouts.

Kayfus, a University of Miami commit, tossed 22⁄3 innings in relief and gave up just one hit and struck out three.

Brooks, a University of Arkansas commit, pitched a scoreless seventh to earn the save.

The Falcons jumped out to the lead in the first. Senior Tyler Epstein ripped a leadoff double and he later scored during the inning after the Broncos committed a throwing error.