After spotting The First Academy a 5-1 lead after the first inning, the Windermere Prep Lakers exploded for six runs in the third inning to defeat the Royals 11-8 in the district finale.
Senior Rylan Thomas (UCF signee) brushed off the first inning to strikeout 9 while allowing just 3 hits in 5 2/3 innings. The Royals were held to just four hits all night, but took advantage of the twelve walks that they were issued, including 3 in the bottom of the seventh when they were threatening to load the bases. Lakers junior Jon Montes pitched out of the jam getting Jacob Jacome to groundout and Garrett Milchin (Florida signee) to popout to end the game.
Windermere Prep freshman Mason Russell was named the BHSN Player of the Game after going 3-4 with 2 doubles and a single, driving in three runs. Russell entered the game with only 4 hits and 3 RBI on the season.
The Royals (13-7) and Lakers (9-13) will meet again in the Class 4A district 3 semifinal on April 22nd, with a berth to the playoffs at stake.