Viera High's baseball team fell to Martin County 6-1 in a playoff game on April 24 at Martin County High School in Stuart. The loss drops Viera to 18-6-1 on the season, while Martin County improves to 24-8. The game was played at Martin County's home field, which has hosted multiple playoff rounds this spring.
Viera scored first in the bottom of the first inning but couldn't sustain momentum. Martin County pitcher Jake Thompson struck out seven batters in the first three innings, holding Viera to just one run. The Hawks managed three hits in the game, including a two-out double by senior outfielder Luis Ramirez in the third.
Martin County's offense came alive in the fourth inning, scoring three runs on two errors and a bases-loaded walk. The Tigers added two more runs in the sixth on a two-run single by junior shortstop Ethan Cole. Viera's starting pitcher, senior right-hander Dylan Martinez, lasted five innings but was charged with six earned runs.
The loss ends Viera's hopes of a playoff upset in the regional bracket. Martin County advances to the next round, where they will face Titusville High on May 1 at 4 p.m. at Palm Bay High School. Viera's next game is a makeup contest against Palm Bay on May 3 at Viera High.
Both teams have faced challenges this season with injuries to key players. Martin County coach Mark Reynolds said after the game that his team's defense has been a strength all season. Viera coach Steve Delgado praised his team's effort but acknowledged the gap in experience between the two squads.