Pitching gives Jesuit tourney title, promise for future

Daniel Gibson is just a sophomore, but Jesuit coach Richie Warren had enough faith in the young lefthander to tab him as the championship game starter if the Tigers reached the finals.

"He's young but we don't want to use that as an excuse," Warren said. "Everyone wants to make excuses for the young guys."

Gibson didn't disappoint Friday, leading the Tigers to a walk-off 2-1 win over Seattle Prep in the Jesuit Spring Break Invitation. After allowing a run in the third inning, Gibson allowed just one hit the rest of the way. He finished with a complete-game six hitter, striking out a career 12 batters.

And that effort came after Gibson's first start since Feb. 19. Plus, he hadn't pitched more than 2 2/3 innings in a single outing, having been mostly used in relief.

"I like this better," Gibson said with a smile. "It gives me more time to prepare."

After soaking up this win, the Tigers (17-2) face a daunting end to the regular season. They close out the season with Tampa Catholic, Land O'Lakes, Sarasota and Clearwater Central Catholic before heading into the district tournament.

Warren has reason to be optimistic. Pitching is always the key to long postseason runs. And senior Matt Brazis (one earned run in his past 21 innings of work) and Greg Holsen (one earned run in his past two starts, both complete games) have been superb of late. Add a dependable Gibson to the fray and the Tigers could be tough to beat.

“After the first couple of innings, (Gibson) got locked in,” Warren said. “If we can get a win out of Gibson like that, and with the way Brazis and Holsen are pitching, I think we are ready to make a serious run here.”

The Tigers celebrated the win, which was clinched after Brian Traina's successful safety squeeze, with a pile near first base. Minutes later, Warren received his first Gatorade bath as Jesuit coach.

"Hopefully, we have one more of those left," he said, hinting at a long postseason run.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA