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Pasco's Pitching Is On Target

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By CRISTINA LEDRA, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 24, 2008

The Pasco Pirates haven't skipped a beat in the early part of this season, and a lot of that has to do with its trio of pitchers.

Between seniors Aaron Brandt and Dustin Brown and junior Henry Johnson, the Ricky Giles-coached Pirates have allowed two runs, both earned, in three games entering Friday's game against Hernando.

Brown and Johnson both had shutouts, and against Gulf a week ago, Brown had 13 strikeouts.

Brown struck out 13 of the 22 batters he faced.

Johnson's outing against Hudson and Brown's against Gulf each only lasted five innings, because Pasco's bats have been very active as well.

The Pirates beat Ridgewood 6-2 in a season opener that was delayed a day because of rain, then followed that with the 10-0 win against Gulf the next day and an 11-0 win against Hudson on Tuesday.

Because of the stellar pitching, Pasco hasn't needed that much offense to win, but it has been a welcome strength.

Of the seven players with at least eight at-bats, the lowest batting average among them is .300.

Junior Jorge Jaramillo has the highest batting average, hitting .500 in eight at-bats.

In addition to being one of the team's top pitchers, Brandt leads the team with seven RBIs.

Junior Josh Johnson and senior Ezekial Juarez each have hit a home run this season.

SEAHAWKS GET FIRST WINS: Sunlake earned a preseason victory against Wesley Chapel, but the Seahawks got two when it counted Feb. 6 and 15.

Sunlake beat Wiregrass Ranch 13-3 on Feb. 6 and Hernando 4-3. The Seahawks are led by junior Pablo Rivera.

Rivera was 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a home run against Wiregrass and was 1-for-3 with two runs and a double against Hernando.

Most of Sunlake's teams have struggled in their inaugural seasons. The boys basketball team won three games this season, including one in the district tournament.

The girls soccer team, girls basketball team and football team all went winless.

GAMES TO CATCH: Next week brings two big games that are worth watching.

Wednesday, Zephyrhills travels to Land O' Lakes. Zephyrhills was undefeated going into Friday's game against Nature Coast and Land O' Lakes was 1-2 going into its game against Central, also Friday.

The Gators lost 2-1 to Tampa Catholic on Feb. 19.

Thursday, Pasco travels to Nature Coast for a big district game. Nature Coast was 2-1 going into its Friday game against Zephyrhills.

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