Yoel Tejada Jr hits walk-off home run for North Broward Prep.
By: Matt Rothman
University of Florida commit Yoel Tejada had a game to remember during North Broward Prep’s 9-8 win in extra innings on Thursday.
While Tejada Jr. struggled on the mound, he drove in seven runs with a grand slam, two-run triple, and walk-off home run to help the Eagles win their second straight District Championship.
“Today, I didn’t have my best stuff, but I knew, as a teammate, I needed to help my team come back in the game, Tejada Jr said. “Fortunately, I was able to do it offensively and help my team win.”
It was anything but easy for NBP to take on a talented and well-coached Coral Springs Charter team. The Panthers jumped out to a 7-0 lead before Tejada Jr. cut the lead to 7-4. Still, NBP trailed by three runs heading into the bottom of the seventh when Tejada Jr drove in two more before Gian De Castro tied the game up with an RBI single.
In extra innings, the Panthers added a run in the tenth. However, Mauricio Bejarano tied the game with two out in the ninth before Tejada Jr. ended with a homer in the tenth.
In relief, Jensen Seculer pitched six innings, allowing only one earned run before Jonathan Xuereb came into the game in the ninth and recorded four outs. The Eagles also picked up their 18th win of the season while the Panthers fell to 15-9-1.
“It just shows the grit of these guys,” said Head Coach Brian Campbell. “They are never out of a game and I will tip my hat to them but also to Coral Springs Charter. They played really well, and pitching staff did an amazing job tonight.”
Yoel Tejada {North Broward Prep Yearbook}
Next, these two teams will wait to see who they will play in the Regionals quarterfinals, which will take place on Wednesday, April 12.
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