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CCC knows to trust its infield

By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
In print: Wednesday, May 7, 2008

CCC’s Matt Morelli gets Tampa Catholic’s Thomas Spitale out at second during a game in March. Morelli, a senior, is a key part of the Marauders’ impressive infield.
	[CHRIS ZUPPA | Times]

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CLEARWATER

It is not so much that Clearwater Central Catholic's infield makes spectacular plays on sure base hits. It is more that the Marauders ambush the ball.
Third baseman Garrett Lopp can pop up from nowhere to backhand a ball and whip it to first. Shortstop Sam Mende can snare a drive and spin in midair to begin a double play.

Second baseman Matt Morelli can field bad hops that are about to be embedded into his forehead and still throw out a runner.

And first baseman Cody Slaughter is every infielder's dream with a virtual vacuum for a glove.

Try as they might, opponents are learning that it is difficult to get anything past CCC's infield defense.

"We've got a good group with those guys," Marauders coach Todd Vaughan said. "They all have a lot of experience and can do things you just can't coach."

There are no greater aficionados of the Marauders' infield artistry than CCC's pitchers.

Ryan Weber, the Times' All-County and All-Suncoast pitcher of the year, is a groundball specialist who has thrived due in part to the help behind him.

"It definitely makes me more confident with this infield," Weber said. "I can throw for contact and they will be there to make the play."

Mende and Morelli stand out in the middle. Both are seniors who have started at their positions the past three seasons.

"It's gotten to the point where we can feel where each other is going to be on the field without even communicating," Mende said.

But Lopp and Slaughter also get the job done at the corners. In fact, Weber said Slaughter made the defensive highlight of the season on a diving stop.

"Cody made this great play, then threw it to me for the out," Weber said. "I had to shake my head on that one."

With a defense that's tighter than a Mason jar, CCC is making its third straight region final appearance and is attempting to win its second straight state title.

"I think playing in so many big games has helped our defense," Weber said. "Nothing seems to rattle them."

Bob Putnam can be reached at putnam@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4169.