In a close contest that came down to the final two innings, the Venice Indians defeated the Vero Beach Fighting Indians 4-2 and ended Vero’s postseason run in the 7A state semifinals in Fort Myers.
“Vero Beach may have fallen short in the Final 4, but what a run! So proud of this team for the heart, determination, and fight they showed all season long,” said Charsea Singletary, mother of shortstop Charles “Chuck” Singletary. “Making it this far is a huge accomplishment and something to celebrate. Hold your heads high — your community is proud of you!”
The Venice Indians – one of the top-ranked high school baseball teams in the country – will advance to the state championship Saturday, May 16. The Venice team will face the winner of the semifinal match between Marjory Stoneman Douglas and Hagerty.
The Vero Beach baseball team’s journey to state caught attention and widespread praise from the community. Fighting Indians fans traveled to Fort Myers, and watched via livestream the Friday matchup between Vero and Venice.
These teams battled to a 0-0 tie through the early parts of this contest until Venice took 1-0 in the bottom of the third on an RBI single.
The battle tightened up in the top of the sixth inning. Vero scored runs on a Venice error and a sacrifice fly to take a 2-1 advantage. But that lead wouldn’t hold as Venice put together a three-run rally to go up 4-2 in the bottom of the sixth thanks to two RBI singles and a balk.
Vero came up short in the bottom of the seventh, lining out and striking out twice to end the game.
After reaching the Final Four for the first time since 2024, the Vero Beach baseball team ends the 2026 season with a 24-5 record.
“A tremendous run by the Fighting Indians this season,” Vero Beach High School Baseball officials said in a statement. “Thank you all for tuning in all year.”
