Baseball: West Orange bests Ocoee 3-2 in rivalry game -- Observer Preps

WINTER GARDEN The West Orange Warriors overcame an early deficit and defeated the rival Ocoee Knights 3-2 in a game highlighted by strong pitching, five errors between the two teams and just one earned run.

Instances of sloppy play by both teams, though, did not mean West Orange coach Jesse Marlo wasn't pleased to see his Warriors improve to 3-0.

"You're always happy to get a win — especially when you're playing your crosstown rival," Marlo said. "(Knights coach Bobby Brewer is) doing a great job at Ocoee — that's a good ballclub — so we're happy to get a win."

Cole Beavin got the win for West Orange, pitching six innings while allowing two runs (unearned) off of just one hit. Zach Pellegrino completed the one-inning save for the Warriors.

For Ocoee (2-1), sophomore Hylan Hall got the start, allowing two runs (one earned) in four-and-a-third innings of work.

Adrian Delgado had two RBIs for West Orange.

It is the only meeting of the two rival clubs this season, as they are not in the same district. Both teams will look to improve with new faces in several places after each program graduated large senior classes from last spring.

"It's probably going to take some time," Marlo said. "I got confidence in all those guys that we'll be where we need to be when districts come around."

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].