Biemiller delivers for coach, team as Jesuit top Terriers

By Chuck Frye
Correspondent

March 15, 2022

TAMPA – Miguel Menendez decided to roll the dice on Monday.

The Jesuit head coach chose to start sophomore McCall Biemiller, with slightly over five innings of varsity pitching experience, against Hillsborough and hope that his offense could provide enough to take some pressure off of the left-hander’s shoulders.

Menendez’ strategy paid off for the most part as his squad busted out to an early five-run lead, enough to survive a mini meltdown and glide to an 8-3 victory.

It was the Tigers’ fourth straight over the Terriers.

“(Hillsborough was) a little short on pitching after using their top two guys in a nine-inning game to get here against Newsome (on Saturday),” Menendez said. “That probably helped us.”

Apparently, it did as the offense delivered five runs in the bottom of the first inning, all coming after two opening strikeouts, while Biemiller struck out five of the first eight batters he faced.

Junior Grant Jordan delivered a big blow in the frame, going oppo and driving a double over the right fielder’s head to score Wes Mendes (single and stolen base) and Jake Kulikowski (intentional walk). Josh Hines (two hits) followed with a single plating Jake Rupp, while wild pitches brought home Jordan and Hines.

“We did a really good job in that first inning to score some runs, give (Biemiller) some breathing room and let him pitch with some confidence,” Menendez said. “We’ve talked all year about grinding out at-bats and that every out counts. Even with two outs, we’ve got to find a way to string hits together.”

Jordan, who went 3-for-3 on the night, put two-out production simply: “I think you’ve got to not be nervous and just have fun.”

Biemiller wobbled a little in the top of the third, issuing three walks, hitting a batter, throwing a wild pitch and committing an error as Hillsborough scored three times. Tanner Jones had a run-scoring sacrifice fly and leadoff hitter and starting pitcher Cam Mallo (two walks) drew a free pass and scored.

But Biemiller’s offense quickly had his back in the bottom of the frame. Jordan had a bunt single and Hines slashed a hooking RBI triple to right field with two outs to pad the advantage.

“Hillsborough grinded out some at-bats, but I’m proud of the way we answered,” Menendez said. “Josh’s triple was a big run for us, and credit to McCall for bouncing back.”

Biemiller rebounded big-time, riding a powerful fastball in striking out five straight Terrier batters after the Terrier eruption. A high pitch count saw him leave for senior Preston Shambekar with two outs in the fifth.

“I was sort of losing it in the third but I tried to take my deep breaths and block everything out,” said Biemiller, who finished with a one-hitter while whiffing 10. “It was good for me to go back out there after that and dominate.”

Jesuit tacked on some key insurance and finished its scoring in the fifth when Jordan roped his second double of the game to left centerfield and Rupp followed by blasting a 1-2 offering well over the right field fence.

Shambekar (1.1 innings, one hit) and sophomore Aden Knowles (1-2-3 seventh) closed out the win on the hill for the Tigers.

Now at 8-3, Jesuit will host Sickles in the Gold Division semifinals Tuesday at 1 PM. Hillsborough (6-2) moves to the consolation bracket and will face Steinbrenner at Jefferson High Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Hillsborough 3
Jesuit 9

H 000|000|0 – |0|0|0
J 000|000|0 – |0|0|0
W – Xxxxx (0-0); L – (0-0); S – (0)
2B – xxxx (H); xxxx (J); 3B – xxxxx (H); xxxxx (J); HR – xxxxx (H); xxxxx (J). Records – H (6-1); J (7-3).