Monsignor Edward Pace baseball team’s quest for a return trip to the state championship tournament was dashed last week when Pompano Beach ended the Spartans’ season with a 9-0 defeat in the Region 4-5 final.
Last year’s state runner-up wasn’t able to compete on the same level as the Golden Tornadoes, who celebrated their victory on the Pace’s home field.
Pompano Beach’s Chase Costello broke a scoreless game in the top of the fifth inning with a towering three-run homer over left center field fence.
Trevor Kniskern pitched a complete game, two hit shutout against one of the best offensive teams in South Florida.
The Spartans had a successful record of 24-6 and 13 of the school’s graduating seniors have received college scholarships.
In addition, seniors Santos Grande, Michael Montes, Jeter Downs and Brandon Cruz were selected as part of The Miami Herald’s All-Dade Baseball First Team.
Downs, a short stop, was also selected as Player of the Year. He is committed to the University of Miami and projected to be a high draft pick in this year’s Major League Baseball draft.