It may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Gateway ultimately got the result they hoped for on Thursday. They had just enough and edged out the Poinciana Eagles 8-7. The victory was some much needed relief for the Panthers as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Ian Colon and Diego Vazqueztell made a big impact no matter where they played. On the mound, Colon pitched 4.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and five unearned) runs off four hits. Meanwhile, Vazqueztell tossed 4.2 innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Gateway is 2-1 when Vazqueztell allows three or fewer earned runs, but 1-4 otherwise. At the plate, Colon went 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double, while Vazqueztell got on base in three of his five plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one double. That's the most hits Colon has posted since back in March of 2025.
Maicol Santiago
| 02/26/26 vs Poinciana | 5 |
| 04/04/25 vs Osceola | 2 |
| 02/28/25 @ Celebration | 2 |
| 03/25/25 @ Poinciana | 1 |
| 03/14/25 vs Innovation | 1 |
In other batting news, Maicol Santiago was excellent, going 2-for-5 with five stolen bases and three runs. Those five stolen bases gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Alan Guerrero, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and two runs.
Gateway's win bumped their record up to 3-5. As for Poinciana, they are on a five-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 1-5.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming matchups. Gateway will venture away from home to take on Heritage at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Poinciana, they will have a little extra prep time after the defeat as they won't be playing again for a while. They'll take on Tohopekaliga at 7:00 p.m. on March 13.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
