Andre Fernandez
afernandez@miamiherald.com
It’s been a while since Miami Southridge was a true baseball powerhouse.
The Spartans are making strides this season to change that.
Southridge took another step in that process this week, capping their first Greater Miami Athletic Conference tournament championship with an 8-0 rout of Goleman on Thursday night at Robbie Smith Field on Southridge’s campus.
The Spartans are 12-3.
They won their first GMAC title since 2001.
The following season in 2002 was the last time a Southridge baseball team made it to the state final four.
Could a return to state be in the cards this year?
Southridge baseball coaches and players celebrate on Thursday night at Robbie Smith Field after winning their first GMAC championship since 2001. Andre Fernandez afernandez@miamiherald.com
“I’m so proud of these guys because we’ve come a long way,” said Southridge coach Manuel Ojeda IV, who is in his third season coaching the Spartans. “These continue to follow the process and continue to get better.”
Ojeda’s team has a solid mix of pitching, defense and hitting, which was on display on Thursday.
Led by designated hitter Carlos Gutierrez and first baseman Jonathan Paniagua, who each had two hits, the Spartans jumped all over Goleman quickly with four runs in the first inning.
Paniagua, who transferred from Varela to Southridge before this season, began the onslaught with a two-run double and Gutierrez followed with a run-scoring single.
Southridge added two more in the third by being patient at the plate. Francis Garcia and Jonathan Carrasco each drew walks with the bases loaded.
“Our goal from the beginning was to attack early, get a lead, and pass it to our bullpen,” Ojeda IV said.
Southridge starter Christian Fontaine and his defense did the rest.
Fontaine, a Miami Dade College commit, threw four scoreless innings, struck out five and walked two, and combined with Emmanuel Salgado, Jackcel Reyes and Isaac Vidal on the shutout.
Southridge pitcher Christian Fontaine threw four shutout innings on Thursday at Robbie Smith Field against Goleman to help the Spartans win the GMAC championship. Andre Fernandez afernandez@miamiherald.com
Fontaine ran into some trouble in the fourth inning as Goleman (10-6) put two runners on, but a key double play kept the game scoreless.
“I couldn’t have done this without God. I did a whole prayer right before the game, stretched and calmed myself down and said I’m just playing catch out there,” Fontaine said. “My coaches motivate me a lot and I’m really thankful for everyone on the team and how much we’ve improved over the past three years.
“I got into a little bit of trouble but I refocused and my mindset was to keep pounding the zone.”
Southridge has four regular season games remaining before the district playoffs begin April 14-17. The Spartans are in a tough District 16-6A, which includes perennial state title contender Doral Academy.
Ojeda IV is hopeful his team will continue to improve and show the determination that has led to a renaissance this season for the Spartans.
“They’re selfless and relentless. Every day, we turn in the work. We’ve lost three one-run games and they’ve never hung their heads. They keep showing up.
“Just being healthy and everyone staying the course. I think this team is just hitting their stride now.”
Miami Herald
Andre Fernandez is the Deputy Sports Editor of the Miami Herald and has covered a wide variety of sports during his career including the Miami Marlins, Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, University of Miami athletics, and high school sports.