YOUTH SPORTS
+ Plant City Eagles hosting sign-ups
With spring coming soon, the Plant City Eagles now are hosting sign-ups for all sports.
The soonest deadline is March 6, which covers tee-ball, softball and baseball. Fees range from $40 to $50. Games begin on March 8 and will be played at the rec center’s sports complex. During the first week of practice, players will get to meet some of the Tampa Bay Rays, as well as former Negro League players.
For more, call Rodney Mackey at (813) 966-6084.
As for football and cheerleading, registration is beginning now and running through June 1. Early-registration fee is $85 per child.
All registrations are held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, at the Bealsville Recreation Center, 5009 Nesmith Road. Forms can be downloaded at plantcityeagles.com. For more, call (813) 737-1352.
BASEBALL
+ Raiders, Chargers renew rivalry
In the first area rivalry game of the season Feb. 25, Strawberry Crest nearly pulled out a win at home, but couldn’t answer Plant City’s offense.
The Raiders left Strawberry Crest with a come-from-behind 3-2 win, pulling ahead in the second inning and staving off the Chargers with their defense.
After the Raiders scored once in the top of the first, the Chargers scored two runs, thanks to a Jake Ralyea RBI and some crafty baserunning by Matthew Collado.
But, one half-inning later, Plant City came back with two runs. Connor Slagill and Zach Mondoux each scored with their only hits of the game, though Slagill had 2 RBI on one hit.
Raiders ace Miguel Martinez went 5.1 innings with four strikeouts to pick up the win.
Meanwhile, Durant blew out East Bay, 10-0, thanks in part to three-RBI performances from senior Luke Heyer and sophomore Jake Sullivan.
Plant City will host Brandon at 7 p.m. Feb. 28, while Durant will host Strawberry Crest.
SOFTBALL
+ Crest shuts down Plant City
Unlike the baseball game, softball’s area rivalry tilt ended with a runaway win for the home team.
The Lady Chargers scored in the fifth and sixth innings to take a 3-0 lead on Plant City Feb. 25, and held on in the seventh for the win.
This one turned into a pitchers’ duel early, with both ladies taking command of the hitters. Sammy Tyler, who pitched a complete game for the win, racked up eight strikeouts and allowed just two hits. Noelle Dietrich also pitched the entire game and only gave up one of Crest’s three runs.
Durant, not long after destroying Brandon in a 17-0 effort, got a bit of a test from East Bay High School at home. The Lady Cougars finished the game with a 4-2 win.