Class 7A State Semifinal Primer

Who: #3 Plant (20-7) v #2 Lake Worth Park Vista (22-3-1)
When/Where: Tuesday, May 23, 4 pm;
Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Parkway Fort Myers, Florida 33912
Admission: $9 per day if purchased in advance via GoFan, and $12 if purchased day-of
Parking: $10 for cars/$50 for busses (cash and credit cards accepted)

How they got here

Park Vista held three region opponents to three total runs as the Cobras’ pitching staff has a 1.48 ERA on the season. A pair of 3-1 wins against Kissimmee Osceola and Jupiter put Park Vista into the final four for the sixth time and the Cobras are still in search of a first-ever baseball state title (having one runner-up finish in 2008).

Plant dropped a 6-5 decision to Alonso in the district championship before the Panthers pitching staff became near unhittable through three region games. After a mercy-rule win over Sarasota, staff ace Robert Satin tossed a no-hitter in a region semi win against Lakewood Ranch, and Mitchel Doane and Garrett Hill held Windermere to just one hit in the region final. Plant reached the state semifinal a season ago falling to Palm Beach Gardens. The Panthers state title win in 1988 remains the only one in the baseball program’s history.

Panthers Players to Watch

Robert Satin, LHP/1B

Our reigning All-813Preps upper classification Pitcher of the Year has only built on his tremendous junior season, going 11-0 on the mound in 2023 with a 1.17 ERA and 99 strikeouts. The University of Florida signee is also hitting .333 with 18 RBI.

Rocco DeMarinis, CF

The junior slugger has driven in a team leading 23 runs, while batting .325 with four homers and 20 runs scored. He drove in the game-winner in the Panthers 1-0 win against Windermere.

Jack Meade, 1B/OF

The HCC committed senior has 16 runs scored and 16 RBI, to go along with a .278 average and four homers.

Cash Strayer, OF

The sophomore hit .318 this year with 19 RBI and 17 runs scored, while drawing 13 walks.

Cobras Players to Watch

Will Bavaro, 2B: The sophomore has had a huge year for the Cobras, driving in 20 runs and scoring 24 times, along with a .449 average, seven doubles

Jason Lashley, SS: the senior and Indian River State College commit hit .405 this year with 28 RBI, 20 runs and 13 stolen bases.

Ethan Mattison, LHP: The junior lefty is 9-0 this year with 67 strikeouts in 59 innings pitched.