Martin County High School’s journey to the FHSAA baseball state championships was nearly 60 years in the making.
The Tigers now have the chance to make the wait well worth it.
Martin County will play Buccholz in a Class 6A state semifinal on Friday from Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Advancing by winning the Region 2-6A title, the Tigers (24-7) are seeded fourth in the state bracket and enter the game ranked 12th in its classification and 57th overall. The Bobcats are the Region 1-6A champions. They are ranked second in Class 2A and 15th overall.
Watch the FHSAA state baseball championships
While Martin County will play the role of newcomer, Buchholz is no stranger to this stage, finishing as the state runner-up in each of the last two seasons.
The winner between Martin County and Buchholz would face the winner of Land O’Lakes and St. Thomas Aquinas at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16.
Treasure Coast Newspapers is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along.
Martin County vs. Buchholz state semifinal updates
Tigers come up empty in the top of the first inning
Junior infielder Brennan Jones reached with a one-out single and later stole second base, but he was stranded in scoring position after Colton Bettencourt popped out to shortstop to end the inning.
We’re underway from Fort Myers
Buchholz starting pitcher Dion Wilburn throws his first pitch to Grady Messner. It comes at 10:02 a.m., 80 degree and clear, sunny skies.
Tigers hold pregame huddle
Approximately 20 minutes before game time, Martin County comes together for a pregame huddle.
Patrick Bernadeau is a sports reporter for Treasure Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at 772-985-9692, on X at @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Live updates as Martin County baseball plays in historic state semifinal
Reporting by Patrick Bernadeau, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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