By Dave Brousseau BCAA Writer
PARKLAND – The drive for a fifth consecutive state championship inched another step closer for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High baseball team.
By earning what seemed like a simple 10-0 victory in five innings over Coral Springs Taravella in the second game of the Class 7A regional semifinal on Thursday, the Eagles advanced to host West Broward in the best 2 of 3 series beginning Wednesday.
The Bobcats advanced following a 14-4 victory over Miami Columbus.
Nick Diaz had yet another big game gathering a double, home run, two RBI and two runs. His homer was his second in as many games.
Senior left-hand pitcher Daniel Tartaglia (7-0) had a strong outing in just four innings of work, allowing five hits while striking out five for the shutout, which was the sixth for the Eagles (27-2) during the team’s 10-game winning streak.
“I just attacked the zone,” said Tartaglia. “My hitters backed me up Everything we worked for me tonight. I had a lot of first pitch strikes and then mixed it up.”
During the Eagles 10 consecutive wins, they outscored their opponents 74-7.
“Offensively we were really good,” said Douglas coach Todd Fitz-Gerald. “Hopefully, I think we’re getting hot again. This is the perfect time to do it. It’s about preparation and the kids believe in what we do. We’re all locked in together.”
Tartaglia was given all the offensive support needed with four runs in each of the two innings.
“We gave a really good team a lot of extra at bats,” said Taravella coach Jorge Miranda. “It took the wind out of our sails a lot. They capitalized and that’s what great teams do.”
With Douglas eliminating the Trojans (17-13), they will host West Broward on Wednesday and Tuesday and play at West Broward on Saturday if necessary.
Douglas, though, has owned West Broward having won 13 straight against them, dating back to Mar. 19, 2015.
Gio Rojas and Diaz jumped started the Douglas steady run production with a pair of RBI doubles in the first inning. Jake Rizzo added an RBI in the second inning.
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