VERO BEACH – The Sharks and Indians both wore Dodger Blue Monday night as over 500 people came out to Dodgertown to watch Sebastian River High School take on Vero Beach High School in what turned out to be a good old fashioned pitcher’s duel.
VBHS senior Harrison Cooney led the Indians to a 2-1 victory, tossing a complete game one-hitter. The former Shark struck out six, walked three, and hit two of his former teammates.
“I’ve pitched against those guys a lot, and I knew what to throw at them,” said Cooney, who improved to 5-0 on the year. ” “I really liked the mound, it was the best I’ve ever pitched on.” Cooney was helped out by two great plays by center fielder Tyler Strickland, including a diving catch in the final inning.
SRHS pitcher Trevor Graham turned in a gritty performance for the Sharks, striking out eight and allowing only four hits while going the full seven innings. A pair of walks in the third inning set the table for VBHS left fielder Sam Taylor, who brought in both of his team’s runs with a double past diving SRHS left fielder Cuco Santana.
Sebastian River made it 2-1 in the bottom of the third when Tony Spagnolia, who collected the Sharks’ lone hit to lead off the first inning, was hit by a pitch, stole second, advanced to third and scored on a throwing error.
After the game, both teams gathered at the pitcher’s mound for a group photo to remember the first of perhaps many more games between the schools at the Dodgertown complex, which has recently been renamed the Vero Beach Sports Village.
Sebastian River High School Athletic Director Michael Stutzke was happy to see a solid turnout for the game, which had a paid attendance of over 450 (over 50 Little Leaguers got in free for wearing their uniforms).
“(VBHS) Athletic Director Tim Tharp and I started talking about this when the Dodgers were gracious enough to give us their jerseys a year and a half ago,” said Stutzke. “We thought it would be really nice to have a spring baseball game where the community could come out and see both high schools play – and wear the Dodger Blue. I grew up here in Vero back in the ’60s, and like so many people in this community I loved coming to the games – it was special.”
Stutzke said he was happy to accept the invite when MiLB President Pat O’Connor and Director of Vero Beach Sports Complex Craig Callan extended one.
“It just seemed like it was time for the high schools to come out and play,” said Stutzke. “I think when the community can come out and see a Dodger uniform they appreciate the history – it’s Vero Beach. I thought if we’d had 150 people we’d be lucky – 500 was a very nice turnout. We’re hosting it this year to kind of get the ball rolling, and next year Vero will host it. The game is great for the community.”
