Mariner senior Michael Scalise struck out seven during the Tritons' 3-1 regional quarterfinal win Thursday night. To view more photos from the game, see the Cape Coral Breeze Facebook page. MICHAEL PISTELLA / mpistella@breezenewspapers.com

The Mariner High School baseball team turned in a solid performance in the opening round of the FHSAA 4A State Championships Thursday night, defeating Hardee High School, 3-1, in Region 3 action.  

Triton starter Michael Scalise was sharp over five innings of work in the win, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out seven. A three-run second inning was all the home team needed behind impressive pitching and defense.  

“I told the guys it’s playoff baseball, there’s very little blowouts from this point forward,” said Mariner head coach Tom Woodley. “They did a good job (in the second) inning putting the ball in play. The bottom of the order came through.” 

Freshman Mason Blackburn got things rolling for Mariner (17-12) with a one-out single in the bottom of the second and advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch. A Sam Duvall single moved Blackburn to third, before Jorin Ohime stepped in a laced a RBI single inside the first base line. Freshman Gavin Ziccardi followed up with an RBI single of his own that brought home Duvall. Before all was said and done, senior catcher Drew Gifford continued his contributions to the lineup in the No. 9 hole with a sacrefice fly, putting the Tritons up 3-0.  

“That’s the name of the game,” Woodley said of Mariner’s “small ball” style, one they’ve been successful with for the majority of the season. “We’ve only got one home run as a team. We’re going to find ways to put pressure on a defense and that’s what we did (in the second) inning.” 

Mariner senior Jorin Ohime knocks in a run during the Tritons' 3-1 regional quarterfinal win Thursday night. To view more photos from the game, see the Cape Coral Breeze Facebook page. MICHAEL PISTELLA / mpistella@breezenewspapers.com

The three runs was all Scalise needed, as the senior lefty consistently got ahead of Wildcat hitters. He was in control of both his fastball and curveball, walking just one hitter on the night. His only blemish came in the fourth when the one batter he walked advanced to third on two pitches that found the backstop (probably the only two of the night). After striking out the next batter, Hardee’s Dawson Hanchey grounded out to second to score their lone run.  

“I play with a great bunch of guys right here,” Scalise said after the game. “This is my home. This is where I play every day. These nine guys out here, and in the dugout cheering us on, are all what got us here today. 

“My fastball was on point, and at times it got away, but I came back in there and dominated.”

Junior Billy Wilson worked two innings of not just scoreless, but hitless relief for the Tritons. Wilson has been Woodley’s go-to reliever and not often has he disappointed.  

“He’s a competitor. And that’s one thing, especially in high school, if you got a guy that competes out there, I like our chances,” Woodley said. “He wants the ball in his hand at all times and he’s just very confident in what he’s doing. In that last inning he made the pitches when he had to.” 

Wilson worked out of a small jam in the bottom of the seventh, as an error and a walk put the tying runs on base. Despite the pressure, he stayed cool and struck out the last man looking to end the game.  

“Scalise battled. Billy came in, threw his butt off. Scared me that last inning but that’s high school baseball,” Woodley said. “These guys love coming out here and playing so I give them credit.” 

Mariner now moves on to the 4A Region 3 semifinal Tuesday night, where they will host Lemon Bay (19-7) in a rematch of the district championship just a week ago, a game Mariner earned a walk-off win, 7-6.  

Hardee, which is located in Wauchula, finishes the season at 17-11.

— Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj