By Mike Clark
Bella DeMateo’s baseball career is winding down, but she’s still enjoying new experiences.
The Farragut senior got the chance to play on a college field on Thursday and, from her spot in right field, was able to enjoy a dominant performance by her younger brother Ben.
Ben pitched a no-hitter with 11 strikeouts and two walks as the Admirals blanked Foreman 15-0 at UIC’s Granderson Stadium as part of the Jackie Robinson Baseball Weekend. The game was called in the top of the fifth because of the mercy rule.
“Especially in my last year — not only being able to play on a college campus like this but making memories with my teammates and kind of feeling like we’re at the next level is a cool experience,” Bella said. “I’ve been to some UIC games, so the difference between watching them and then being able to play on here was pretty cool.”
Bella, who was 0-for-1 with a pair of walks and two runs scored, has been a key cog for the Admirals.
“We’re going to miss her, not just her abilities but also the leadership,” Farragut coach Cary Bolnick said. “(She’s) a senior who’s been here for a couple years and brings the vocal leadership and also leads by example.”
The Admirals were 4-9 when Bella was a freshman coming out of the pandemic, but are 40-24 since.
“I’m even seeing how close the team has gotten over the four years and how much chemistry we’ve been able to create,” she said. “It’s definitely shown on the field as well.”
Though Bella is leaving, Ben — a sophomore — isn’t going anywhere. And that’s good news for Farragut.
“He’s been our ace this season, the guy we give the ball to in the biggest games,” Bolnick said.
Ben is enjoying his last few weeks of being teammates with Bella.
“For sure, it’s a lot of fun playing with her, turning double plays and all that,” he said.
Ben also walked three times, scored three runs and drove in two from his leadoff spot. Also having big days at the plate for the Admirals (7-5, 3-0 Public League National North) were Freddy Garcia (3-for-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI) and Yoel Guerra (1-for-3, triple, 2 runs, 3 RBI).
Taft 12, Brooks 6
Morton College recruit Angel Mohammad went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, two runs and two RBI to lead Taft (6-6) past Brooks (7-9) in a Jackie Robinson crossover.
“He was honorable mention (All-)Public League last year,” Taft coach Matt Malarski said. “I kind of got on him earlier this season when he wasn’t doing it. … So a little tough love and he’s kind of turned it on.”
Mohammad took Milarski’s feedback in a positive way and cranked up his hitting. In a two-game Jackie Robinson North sweep of Northside, he was 6-for-8 with two homers, two steals, five runs and seven RBI.
“I started off the season slow and my coach has high expectations of me,” Mohammad said. “So does my team. I feel like I have to fill in the shoes for us to win and I’ve got to play my best.”
Also delivering for Taft were Israel Rodriguez (1-for-3, double, 2 runs, 2 RBI), Elias Nanos (2-for-3, 2 runs, RBI), Jacob Younan (1-for-2, double, 2 walks, run, RBI), Rhett Nunez (2-for-4, 2 runs) and Frank Zagotta (2-for-4, 2 runs, RBI).
Xavier Miner drove in a run and scored two more for Brooks, while Ameer Rule was 1-for-3 with a double, a walk and an RBI.
“We’ve been playing good baseball,” said Brooks coach Anthony Beale II, whose team is 7-4 after an 0-5 start. “First week we got pounded (but) kids are coming together. Pitchers are throwing strikes. I feel like we’re hitting our stride.”
South Shore 15, Corliss 0
Dakhari Esters walked twice, was hit by a pitch and scored three times for the Tars in a game called in the third inning because of the mercy rule. Javion Burns picked up the win.
Photos courtesy of Farragut Baseball and Joseph Gelman/OSA
