PHOTO GALLERY: Durant vs. Lake Brantley

The Durant Cougars fell short of winning the program’s first state championship Saturday, losing to Lake Brantley (Orlando) 8-3 in the 8A state championship at jetBlue Park in Fort Myers.

Lake Brantley out-hit the Cougars 12-7 in the game and built an early four-run lead that Durant couldn’t overcome. Chaz Fowler received the loss on the mound for Durant, giving up five runs (three earned) on five hits in 2.1 innings pitched. Luke Heyer came in to relieve Fowler, throwing 3.2 innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits.

Durant’s plan was to have Fowler pitch the first four innings and give ace Tyler Danish – who pitched a complete game shutout Friday – the ball to close the game out. The early deficit foiled that plan for the Cougars.

Danish did come in to pitch in the seventh with Durant trailing 7-3. Lake Brantley scored a run on a sac fly to extend its lead to five. Danish inherited the runner from Heyer, so the University of Florida commit ended the season with his 0.00 ERA in tact.

Danish’s plans could change in the coming weeks as the MLB draft approaches.

Paxton Sims had another great night at the plate, going 3-for-3. He ends his junior season hitting 6-for-7 in the state tournament. Jared Donini was the only other Durant Cougar with more than one hit Saturday.

For Lake Brantley, who advanced to the state final with a 4-0 win over Jupiter Friday, Carl Chester and Dalton Cuff each had three hits on the night. Pitcher Bryce Tucker threw the complete game, giving up three runs (one earned) on seven hits. Tucker had four strikeouts.

Durant ends the season 25-6 overall after winning the program’s first region championship and advancing the the state final four for the first time.

Pick up the May 23 edition of the Plant City Observer for more on Durant’s historic season, including thoughts from players and coaches and additional photos.