Lincoln’s baseball team edged Mater Academy Charter 7‑4 in the Class 5A state semifinals, a win that secures a spot in the championship game against top‑seeded Winter Springs.
The Trojans built their lead on a cascade of defensive miscues, as four early runs came across on errors, while Mater Academy briefly surged to a 4‑3 advantage thanks to solo homers from Bryan Fernandez and Bryan Mesa before the tide turned.
A showdown with the state’s top seed
Facing Winter Springs, the Trojans will aim to end a championship drought that has persisted since their last title run in 2017, a victory that would cap a season marked by resilience and timely hitting.
The team (19‑16) is set to return to Hammond Stadium for the title game for the first time since 2017, a venue that has hosted many of their most memorable performances.
Key contributors included Jayson Parker, who finished with two hits and two RBIs, and Chase Fuller, who added a run and later sealed the win with his seventh save of the season. Starter Ethan LaFuria dominated on the mound, striking out five in four innings, while Jacob Rabion closed in relief to earn the victory.