PSC opened the 2020 season in Auburndale, FL over the weekend. The Pirates would have the lead in both games but would end up dropping both games late.
In game 1, PSC would lose 7-5 to Pasco-Hernando in 11 innings. Pasco would jump out 2-0 on a two-run double in the second inning. PSC would answer with 1 run in the bottom of the second and two more in the 3rd. With runners on first and third, Brandon Schrepf would hit a RBI single to left and Brayden Morrow would single to right to drive in a run and give the Pirates a 3-2 lead. Pasco would take a 5-3 lead into the 9th inning. With two outs and a runner on first base, Xavier Bussey would send a 2-0 fastball over the right-center wall to tie the game up at 5 a piece. The Pirates would threaten in the 9th and 10th but couldn't push the winning run across. In the 11th, Pasco would push two runs across to preserve a 7-5 victory. Jovanni Canegitta would go 2-5 with an RBI and Xavier Bussey would go 3-6 with a homerun and 2RBI's to lead Pensacola. Zack Mercer would get the loss on the mound.
In game 2 Saturday, The Pirates would lose a late lead to South Florida in a 6-3 defeat. South Florida would get on the scoreboard first with a run in the top of the first inning. Pensacola would take the lead with a pair of runs in the third inning on an errant pick-off play and a pass ball. The score would remain 2-1 until the 5th when Pensacola would add a run on a Xavier Bussey sacrifice fly. Pensacola would have several chances to add to their lead but couldn't score. Freshman, David Warren would get the start for the Pirates on the mound. The righty was masterful in his six innings of work. He would leave the game only allowing one run while striking out 5. Mike Materetsky would take over for Warren in the 7th and give up the lead by allowing 5 runs (6-3) in the inning on 3 hits and 3 walks. Pensacola would threaten in the 7th by loading the bases but Brandon Schrepf would ground out to end the game. Brayden Morrow (2-4, 2R) and Juan Trinidad (2-3) would lead the way offensively for Pensacola.
The Pirates are back in action Tuesday traveling to Bay Minette, AL to take on Coastal AL South at 3:30 before returning home for 5 games this weekend.