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Baseball: Raiders Lose 3 Games, But Not Optimism

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By DAREK SHARP

dsharp@tampatrib.com

Published: March 4, 2009

PLANT CITY - When does an extra-inning loss where a team had plenty of chances to win become a reason for optimism?

When the opponent is nationally-ranked Sarasota. And when that same opponent is one Plant City has not come close to beating in recent memory.

Baseball season is under way, and even though the Raiders had no wins in their first three games, head coach Mike Sodders thinks his squad is poised for a great year. The 6-4, 10-inning loss to Sarasota in a game played at Plant City Feb. 20 verified Sodders' feelings.

"The determination we showed, that was the thing I'm most proud of," he said. "With that game, I think the Plant City baseball organization might have turned the corner."

Plant City was more than just within range of beating Sarasota, the team that won the state championship in 2007 and was thought to be headed there last year before an upset loss to Lakeland in the playoffs. The Raiders led 4-2 in the sixth inning, when Sarasota tied the score due to some Raider errors.

With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, the Raiders had the winning run on third base but grounded out. Kyle Madill doubled in the bottom of the ninth. With two out, Ross Kip hit a ball up the middle that looked destined to be the game-winning hit, but Sarasota's star shortstop Scotter Gennett managed to make a great stop and throw to first.

Despite eventually losing on a homer and a couple of hits, Sodders chose to dwell on the positive aspects of the game. Namely, his team's temperament throughout.

"That's what you work for. Everybody was so involved, into the game, pulling together for each other," he said. "You have to understand, every time we've played Sarasota it's light's out. It's 5-0 before you know it, and the game's over."

With Micah Carmony and K'Shawn Smith returning from outstanding sophomore seasons, the Raider offense is again in good shape. Kip and Jeff Jacobsen head the pitching staff; both are seniors. Jacobsen tossed five strong innings against Sarasota.

Plant City opened its season Feb. 17 with another narrow loss, 3-2, to Newsome. Travis Hippler's two-run single provided the Raider runs.

After the loss to Sarasota the Raiders played Lakeland, which may be considered the district favorite this season. Lakeland won that game 11-0.

The Raiders were scheduled to play Riverview and Freedom on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Next up is a trip to Sarasota Riverview on Friday.

With Lakeland, Sarasota and Riverview all in 6A-8, the going will be tough for Plant City and Durant. The Cougars were able to keep it close in their opener against Lakeland but lost 6-3. After a 0-3 start the Cougars took out their frustrations on East Bay, beating the Indians 11-0 on Feb. 24.

Joe Lombrana, John Hicks, Adam Albers, Brad Sabourin and Michael Crabb all had two hits in the game. Austin Buck threw a one-hitter.

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