'Canes cut Bobcats, win at home, 15-5.

GAINESVILLE--Fifteen runs? Only five innings? “Home cookin’” at its finest.

The Gainesville Hurricanes (13-4) defended their land against a (10-5) Buchholz Bobcat squad who is known to have some heavy hitters.

But on last night, the ‘Canes cracked their bats early and often, earning a 15-5 win at Tiny Talbot Field. According to head coach Chris Malphurs, looking at the ‘Cats like they’re not named “Buchholz”, helps.

“This is the type of game we strive to play every time we come out, regardless of if it’s Buchholz, Eastside or any other school,” he said with slight excitement. “That was what was important for us. Let’s play a nameless, faceless opponent, stay focused, play the first-to-the-last pitch, and we’re going to be successful.

Sometimes success takes a while. Other times, you may hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the first inning.

Junior pitcher Chase DeMichele did just that, belting a shot over the midfield fence. In the top of the second, he threw three consecutive strike outs.

Kyler Marquis, the ‘Canes senior shortstop, made his presence felt by earning a double while bringing in two runs in the bottom of the second. A deep sacrifice-fly by DeMichele brought in one more for the 6-0 lead. His secret to earning wins? Simple.

“All the chitter-chatter and all that, just block it out and play your own game,” DeMichele said.

Senior Tyler McNamee and junior Joesph Strong got in on the action in the bottom of the third, combining for three more RBI’s right before Marquis earned his third RBI of the night.

Then, Buchholz remembered their name.

The ‘Cats drove in a run in the top of the first, but it meant nothing after a two-RBI-single in the bottom of the forth by ‘Canes senior left fielder Kellen Breton. Buchholz walked into the top of the fifth down, 13-1. If a team leads by 10 or more after five full innings, the game is called.

Buchholz was able to muster four runs out of their last-gasp attempt at a comeback. Breton’s sac-fly in the bottom of the fifth was far enough for two runners to advance home to regain the 10-run edge and gave the crowd an early exit.

“We expect it. It’s a heavyweight fight, man. You’re going to go blow-for-blow with them,” coach Malphurs said. “When they punch you, you just have to respond.”

The ‘Canes travel to Vanguard on Thursday, but Malphurs is also thinking about the State Finals in two months. Him and DeMichele both feel this team is in the process of creating a championship pedigree.

“I think the sky is the limit,” DeMichele said smiling. “I definitely think we can reach the state tournament. With the caliber of our pitching and our hitting right now… yes.”