On Monday afternoon, the ILS baseball team opened it’s season with an impressive 10-1 win over Ferguson High School at Florida Christian School. It was a dominant performance from the Royal Lions, who were missing several seniors for the game.

Senior Zach Barrios started the game for ILS and threw three scoreless innings. Barrios struck out three batters over his three innings pitched. Senior Carlos Herrera took over for Barrios in the fourth inning.

Herrera pitched four innings, striking out five batters and giving up only one earned run. He earned the win as the pitcher. Barrios and Herrera combined to surrender just one run and one hit in the win over Ferguson.

Beyond the dominant pitching performance, the offense posted a monster 9-run sixth inning on Monday. Junior Dominic Sorondo went 1-for-3 with a double and one RBI. Sophomore Juan Leandro also went 1-for-3 at the plate and knocked in two runs. Senior Daniel Reyes with 1-for-4 with one RBI.

Overall, this was an impressive performance by the Royal Lions to open the preseason portion of their schedule. Getting the younger players playing time is important, considering the difficult district ILS is a part of. 3A District 15 includes ILS, Ransom, Gulliver Prep, Westminster and SLAM.

Last season, the Royal Lions finished 13-9. With a core of senior leadership, and a strong starting rotation, ILS looks to improve on that record and compete for a district championship.

ILS takes the field again on Thursday at 4 PM to face Mater Academy. The preseason game will be held at Florida Christian School.