PLANT CITY – Chaz Fowler and Tyler Danish combined forces on the mound Friday in the 8A Region 2 final as Durant beat Timber Creek (Orlando) 6-1.
The win gave the Cougars their first region championship and sends them to the state final four, which will begin with the state semifinals May 17 in Fort Myers.
Danish, who started the game at first base, took over for Fowler in the fifth with the game tied 1-1. After a 1-2-3 inning for Danish, Durant took the lead with four runs in the bottom of the fifth, including RBIs from Luke Heyer, Paxton Sims and Tyler Long. Heyer drove in the first run of the game for the Cougars in the third to tie the game at one on an RBI single.
Danish, who hasn’t allowed an earned run all season, allowed just one hit and struck out six Timber Creek batters in the final three innings. Danish, a University of Florida commit, also delivered at the plate, belting a home run in his final plate appearance at home.
Pick up the May 16 edition of the Plant City Observer for more photos and a full preview of Durant’s state semifinal game, including interviews with players and coaches.