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Class 6A: Miami Palmetto 5, Mandarin 4
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Published: May 9, 2008
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PLANT CITY – Miami Palmetto scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning to rally past Jacksonville Mandarin 5-4 in a Class 6A state semifinal Friday at Plant City Stadium.
The Panthers (25-3), who extended their winning streak to 14 games, advanced to Saturday's championship where they will be looking to win their third state title (2000, 2003).
Trailing by two going into the seventh, Palmetto got within 4-3 before Auburn signee Lauren Guzman's two-out, two-run double provided the winning margin.
"It was a rollercoaster of a game," Palmetto coach Steve Batten said. "The fans certainly got their money's worth. It was a battle from both sides."
Mandarin (26-3) wasted little time getting on the board, using two hits, two walks and a passed ball to score two runs in the bottom of the first inning.
The Panthers tied it at 2 in the fifth after stringing together four consecutive hits.
Mandarin retook the momentum in the bottom half of the fifth when Michelle Moultrie lined a two-run homer over the right-field fence to put the Mustangs up 4-2.
"We battled hard but Palmetto was able to put that extra run on the board," Mandarin coach Natalia Gonzalez said.
Palmetto pitcher Kelly Saco (16-2) scattered seven hits and gave up four walks while striking out five to pick up the win. Mandarin freshman Riley Carter (18-3) surrendered 10 hits and a walk while striking out three.
| Palmetto | 000 | 020 | 3 | -- | 5 | 10 | 0 |
| Mandarin | 200 | 020 | 0 | -- | 4 | 7 | 1 |
W: Kelly Socko. L: Riley Carter. 2B: Jackie Houk, Claire Rocawich, Courtney Ray, Lauren Guzman (P). HR: Michelle Moultrie (M). Records: Miami Palmetto: 25-3; Mandarin: 26-3.
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