Backstop Bitman helps TC sink the Buccaneers

Tampa Catholic junior catcher Cole Bitman receives a throw before bracing for a collision in the third inning as Berkeley’s Josh Herrmann comes down the line. 

By Jarrett Guthrie, Editor

TAMPA – Sometimes mistakes multiply in a hurry. Ten combined errors blighted Thursday’s Class 2A-District 5 showdown between Tampa Catholic and Berkeley Prep, but ironically it was a lights-out defensive performance, a brilliant showing by Crusaders junior catcher Cole Bitman, which sparked his team’s 3-2 victory on the road.

Bitman, who also doubled in the TC (2-0) win, erased two Berkeley Prep (0-1) baserunners with laser throws to third base, he made three stops on pitches in the dirt with runners in scoring position, and held on to the ball through a collision at the plate.

“As a catcher, I’m seeing everything out on the field,” he said. “I can’t let balls behind me and I did everything I could to shut down the run game.”

A sly grin on Bitman’s face post-game, saying: “I don’t know why (runners attempting to steal third base against him), but they should probably stop.”

Click here for more photos from this game.

Bitman’s efforts were no surprise to TC starter, Drew Dunlop, who said he and his backstop have been battery-mates since they were four-year-olds.

“It gives me confidence as a pitcher to understand that I can locate pitches anywhere and have confidence he’s going to block it, he’s going to throw that runner out,” Dunlop said. “He’s actually been my catcher since I was about four, so him behind the plate and me pitching – our relationship has just grown, and it gives me a lot of confidence.”

Berkeley Prep ace Rivers Kurland saw an error behind him start his night, followed by a single by Carson Arnold and a walk to load the bases. But the FSU-signed lefty left them all stranded with a strikeout and a well-fielded comebacker, which started a 1-2-3 double-play.

Berkeley Prep senior ace Rivers Kurland delivers a pitch. Kurland pitched four innings, was tagged with three unearned runs and had four strikeouts.

Tampa Catholic responded with a nice double-play of its own, when shortstop Cal Johnson stretched to his right, snagged a line drive and fired to first to catch a runner off.

Crusaders SS Cal Johnson throws to first after snagging a line drive, completing a double-play in the first.

Lucas Cinnante followed up his winning pitching performance against Carrollwood Day earlier in the week, by beating out an infield chopper to second base and scored TC’s first run on an errant flip to a covering Kurland at first.

Jack Smythe lays down a perfect sacrifice bunt to the pitcher, moving a runner up in TC’s offensive second inning. 

Berkeley Prep answered that run in the home-second with Lucas Farrar singling through the right side, and scoring on a Crusaders error.

Berkeley Prep’s Lucas Farrar slides across the plate in the second inning.

After the win, Tampa Catholic coach Paul Russo Jr. made sure to tip his hat to his opponent, speaking with Kurland on the field for a few moments after the game. He complimented an opponent he’s become very familiar with over the last four seasons.

“Rivers stayed calm in his four innings,” Russo said. “You know what you’re getting every time he steps on the mound. That first inning, he goes bases loaded, no outs and he gets out of it, which is characteristic of him. When you are facing a guy like that, who doesn’t let the errors affect him, he’s hard to beat.

“So, when you do beat him it feels like an extra win, because he’s so good at maintaining his headspace on the mound.”

The stalemate was quickly broken with two runs coming in when a hard chopper from Cinnante ate-up the Bucs shortstop and dribbled out into left field.

Lucas Cinnante was 1-for-4, but this swing resulted in a hard chopper that was misplayed by Berkeley Prep and allowed a run.

Kurland would work around a Bitman double in the fourth, finishing his night charged with three unearned runs, on three hits, two walks and striking out four.

Dunlop countered with 3 1/3 innings for the Crusaders, allowing one unearned on two hits, three walks, and also had four strikeouts.

“I think both (starting) pitchers on both ends, Rivers for them and Drew, kept their composure when the defense kicked the ball around behind them,” Russo said. For us, When my cousin Tripp (Russo) came on as our pitching coach this year, that was one thing he hammers into the guy’s heads, to not get rattled and focus on the next pitch.”

Senior Drew Dunlop earned the win, pitching 3 1/3 innings, with one unearned run allowed and four strikeouts. 

Reliever Jake Owen worked two scoreless innings, before running into trouble in the sixth and departing after a walk and hit batter.

Senior Dominic Woodward took over on the bump with a runner on scoring position, got a groundball out, but allowed Berkeley to cut the lead to one on a balk. Woodward worked out of further damage, and struck out a pair in a fast seventh inning to earn Dunlop the win, and pick up the save for himself.

Senior Jake Owen held the Bucs to one run in his two innings of relief. 

Dominic Woodward picked up his first save of the season. 

The Buccaneers got a solid relief appearance from Parker Minzel, who struck out a pair and walked three, while holding the Crusaders hitless for the final three innings.

Buccaneers righty Parker Mitzel pitched three innings of relief, allowing no hits and no runs.

Tampa Catholic visits Seffner Christian for a game Saturday morning, and Berkeley Prep is back in action Saturday afternoon with a visit from Ocala Trinity Catholic.