Stoneman Douglas Eagles Soar to Victory in Dramatic Regional Championship
PARKLAND — In a thrilling encounter, Stoneman Douglas junior Lorenzo Laurel delivered a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, securing an exhilarating 8-7 win over West Broward in the Class 7A regional championship on Thursday night. This victory marks the Eagles’ return to the state final four, striving to achieve a historic fifth consecutive FHSAA state championship.
Laurel, who has committed to the University of Florida, showcased his composure, saying, “I just had to keep my composure and stay calm.” His sixth home run of the season culminated a relentless comeback, overcoming a 6-4 deficit that had been created by a grand slam from West Broward’s Ethan Lindor.
The Eagles have dominated West Broward this season, winning all four matchups, extending their streak to 16 victories dating back to 2014. Coach Todd Fitz-Gerald praised his team’s spirit, highlighting their resilience: “These guys have the heart of a champion. This is unbelievable.”
Early in the game, Stoneman Douglas surged ahead with a 4-0 lead, but West Broward fought back, led by key hits that rallied them into the lead. Despite a valiant effort from the Bobcats, including strong performances from players like Reggie Rodriguez and Anthony Sanchez, they could not close out the game.
Stoneman Douglas, now boasting a remarkable 29-2 season record, will compete in the state semifinals next Friday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. Fitz-Gerald expressed gratitude, noting, “We honor the 17 every time we play here,” referencing the lives lost in the tragic Parkland shooting in 2018. With this victory, the Eagles continue their quest for a championship, with determination and heart leading the way.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
