Big inning helps Olympia beat West Orange, stay undefeated

ORLANDO — After allowing two runs by the West Orange Warriors in the top of first inning, Olympia's Michael Byrne settled in to toss a complete game Friday afternoon, leading the Titans to a 6-2 victory and a series sweep of the Warriors.

The talented RHP said he did not have his best stuff on the hill Friday afternoon, but that he was able to zone in mentally to get the job done.

"I was a little tight the first couple of innings but I loosened up as the game went on and I just felt better," Byrne said. "You always have to have a mental aspect playing these games."

The Titans (21-0), ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today and MaxPreps, trailed 2-0 through four and a half innings before a 2-run double by Juan Hillman sparked a 5-run bottom of the fifth. With the win, Olympia moved to a perfect 8-0 in Class 8A District 3.

"It's always a big sweep (against West Orange) because it's a neighborhood rivalry and there's bragging rights," Byrne said. "We know everyone on their team, so beating them always feels a little bit better than beating any other team."

As for the Warriors (14-6), despite dropping Friday's contest and an extra-inning thriller against the Titans on Wednesday night, coach Jesse Marlo said his team has looked greatly improved in recent games and showed flashes of its potential against the top-ranked Titans.

"They just had more timely hits when they needed it and we didn't," Marlo said. "It showed us that if we go out there and play our best baseball, we're one or two hits away from beating these guys."