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Berkeley Prep Wins Opener

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By ADAM ADKINS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 16, 2009

Updated: 02/16/2009 11:05 pm

TAMPA - Berkeley Prep wanted a tough test for its baseball season opener, and the Bucs felt they had one Monday night by welcoming in Cambridge Christian, last year's Class 1A state runner-up.

The Bucs were able to pass the test.

Tony Pikos tossed six strong innings and Grant Sittig provided a clutch two-run double in a three-run fifth to power Berkeley Prep to a 4-0 win against the Lancers, giving Mike Friedlein a win in his debut as the Bucs' coach.

"It feels amazing," Friedlein said. "The scoreboard says it all."

What the scoreboard didn't display was an uncharacteristic performance from the Lancers pitching staff, which allowed just two hits but issued eight walks and hit another batter. The lack of control turned out to be Cambridge's downfall.

After three free passes loaded the bases with one out in the fifth, Sittig made the Lancers pay, squeezing a liner down the left-field line that gave the Bucs a 3-0 lead. That was more than enough support for Pikos, who struck out five and yielded just two hits, both off the bat of Lancers standout Trent Tagliarini.

"When there was a play to be made, we made it," Friedlein said. "We stepped up and made plays all over the field tonight. I couldn't be prouder of these guys."

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