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Published March 11, 2015

TARPON SPRINGS — Pat Russo has pegged this year's Pinellas Park squad as one of the best he's coached, but with one ongoing project standing in the way.

"When we get up early and, God forbid, make some mistakes and go down, we kind of tank afterward," Russo explained.

This happened Tuesday night when some early muscues and a burst of offense put East Lake in front after five innings But preventative psychology not only banished the malaise but the Patriots erupted for nine sixth-inning runs and an eventual 12-7 victory.

"We had guys on the bench that were fired up (Tuesday) even when we were down," said Russo, "and when the bench is engaged, that sends good vibes to the starters."

Pinellas struggled to a 1-0 lead through three innings, going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position, but propped itself up with three double plays.

"In the last five games, we've been lights-out defensively," said Russo. "If we keep that up and hit like we did (Tuesday), watch out."

After the Eagles (7-3) rode clutch hits from Sawyer Wirth (three hits), J.J. Yergey (two hits, RBI) and Jackob Sessa (two hits, RBI) to a 5-3 advantage, the Patriots exploded.

Led by No. 9 hitter Tyler Curry, Pinellas Park (6-4) sent 13 batters up in the game-changing sixth.

"It's probably the best I've played in the past two years," said the senior who went 3-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs. "It's the first time this year I hit ninth. I haven't been hitting good this year but I felt comfortable at the plate (Tuesday). I knew we'd come back (from the deficit). Our team plays hard."

Tanner Lawrence and Zach Roberts each had two hits and a pair of RBIs as Pinellas Park pounded four East Lake pitchers for 15 hits.

Saladino tourney

TAMPA — Dozens of scouts littered the stands at the University of Tampa's baseball stadium Tuesday night, expecting to see a show. And in Plant's Saladino Tournament pool play matchup with Durant, that's exactly what centerfielder Kyle Tucker and right-hander Jake Woodford gave them.

Tucker brought home a pair of runs with a sacrifice fly in the first and a solo homer in the sixth, and Woodford pitched six scoreless innings to give the Panthers a 2-0 victory and a spot in today's quarterfinal.

Headlining a defense that hasn't given up a run now in three straight games, the Florida commit Woodford was confident.

"We're just trying to pick each other up. If someone doesn't hit well that day, they make it up in the field," Woodford said.

Times Staff Writer Kelly Parsons contributed to this report.