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South Florida Edges Polk

Mark Pinson, Highlands Today

SFCC shortstop Tom Sicking has been a vital cog in the Panthers success this year.

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By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: March 22, 2009

LAKELAND - Chaz Abeln hurled a complete game with 13 strikeouts and went 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI to lead South Florida Community College past Polk Community College by a score of 4-3 in a Suncoast Conference game on Friday night.

Austin Gaines continued his torrid hitting by going 3-for-4 with two runs scored as the Panthers improved to 23-12 overall and 4-5 in conference play.

Abeln, a Sebring High standout, was in complete control the entire game and his complete-game performance followed one by right-hander Adam Simmons in Wednesday's 11-3 win over Polk.

"Chaz battled all night and just like Adam on Wednesday, was as strong as an ox in the ninth inning," said South Florida coach Rick Hitt. "Consecutive complete games by our staff is really something special in this league with the caliber of hitters we face.

"We executed well and got key hits at the right time for a big win for us."

The Panthers, who banged out nine singles in the win over the Vikings, were back in action with a road game at conference leader Manatee on Saturday.

"We look forward to the challenge of playing Manatee," said Hitt. "They lead the conference and are a very physical and talented club."

South Florida returns home on Monday with a conference game against Manatee at 6 p.m. and the Panthers are on the road at Manatee on Wednesday.

"We have to be mentally and physically prepared to play every day," said Hitt. "This is a very competitive conference and we have to execute and do the little things to be successful."

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com

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