The Venice Indians defeated Vero Beach 4-2 in a dramatic Class 7A state semifinal, securing a spot in the championship game. Pitcher Carter Cox set a new school record with 125 strikeouts this season.
Key points
Venice Indians won 4-2 against Vero Beach
Carter Cox set a new strikeout record with 125 strikeouts
The game featured unconventional plays like a balk and a foul territory sacrifice fly
Venice will play in the Class 7A Championship
The championship game is scheduled for Saturday at Hammond Stadium
Mentioned in this story
Hammond Stadium
Venice IndiansVero BeachFHSAA Class 7A Championship
It wasn’t a conventional way to make it to the championship game, but the Venice Indians did it.
In a game that saw a run scored on a balk, an umpire showing a pitcher how to pitch from the stretch, and a sacrifice fly in foul territory, Venice topped Vero Beach, 4-2, in a come-from-behind state semifinal win. The Indians (32-1) will face the winner of Hagerty-Stoneman Douglas winner at Hammond Stadium near Fort Myers for the FHSAA Class 7A Championship on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Pitcher Carter Cox struck out 8 batters, in the process breaking the school’s single-season strikeout record, which had been set by Arnold Hughey 25 years ago. Cox’s total is now 125.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice hurler Carter Cox pitches against Vero Beach.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice hurler Carter Cox pitches against Vero Beach.
“He’s no doubt one of the best pitchers to ever pitch at Venice High School, and we’ve had some great ones....” Venice coach Craig Faulkner said. “Carter’s right there with them, and everything he does — listen, no one works harder than he does.”
Venice had been leading 1-0 for two and a half innings with Cox cruising when fielding gremlins decided to play some mischief in the top of the sixth. With a runner on first, Vero Beach’s Nate Downy pushed a bunt past charging third baseman Maddox Volk.
Then Dom Lopez bunted. This time Volk was staying back and first baseman Beau Daniel was charging, so Lopez pushed it towards third. Cox picked up the ball and threw to second to try to get the lead runner, courtesy runner Eli Thiemann. The throw missed, and Thiemann scored, tying the game.
On the following play, Vero Beach DH Caleb Wood hit a high fly ball towards the right field line. Venice right fielder RJ Shields faced the split-second decision of whether to catch it and allow the sacrifice fly or let it drop and hope it landed in foul territory. He chose the former, and Lopez scored to make it a 2-1 game. It was the third earned run that Cox had allowed all year.
Q&A
What was the final score of the Venice vs Vero Beach baseball game?
Venice won the game against Vero Beach with a final score of 4-2.
Who is Carter Cox and what record did he break?
Carter Cox is a pitcher for the Venice Indians who broke the school's single-season strikeout record with 125 strikeouts.
When and where will the Class 7A Championship game take place?
The Class 7A Championship game will take place on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Hammond Stadium near Fort Myers.
How did Venice secure their win against Vero Beach?
Venice secured their win with a come-from-behind effort, including a run scored on a balk and strong pitching from Carter Cox.
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Cox’s teammates had his back with their bats, though. Beau Daniel hit a 1-out double down the left field line and Kyle Judson came in to run for him. Then Volk hit a first-pitch line drive to left field, bringing Judson home and tying the game back up. With Zach Allaire running for Volk, August Backman singled up the middle to score Allaire and retake the lead.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Indians are on their way to the championship game.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. An inside pitch gets the attention of the Indians' Randall Riley.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Vero Beach head coach Bryan Rahal wants an explanation on a bases-loaded balk call in the sixth inning.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice High's August Backman gets back safely on a pickoff attempt.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. RJ Shields reaches safely for Venice.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Indians' Maddox Volk has a close play at first.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Indians' Jonathan Mauro drives in the first run for Venice in the third inning.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. A belt-high pitch is to Venice High's Jonathan Mauro's liking.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Jonathan Mauro of Venice.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Indians' Beau Daniel lets a dribbler down the first-base line go foul.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. A slide wasn't really necessary as RJ Shields slides into third base with a triple.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice and Vero Beach High players stand for the national anthem.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Graham Houston fires up the Venice dugout after a stand-up double.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Head coaches Bryan Rahal of Vero Beach, left, and Craig Faulkner of Venice shake hands after the final out.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. There is no throw as Venice's Kane Judson scores the tying run on a base hit by Maddox Volk.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Jonathan Mauro of Venice.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Hammond Stadium at Lee Health Sports Complex
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Carter Cox (10) pastes the Venice name on the final-four bracket.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice High's RJ Shields breaks into a sprint on his way to a triple.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Vero Beach pitcher Cody Morgan (3) covers first base to get Randall Riley of Venice by a step or two.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice will play in the championship game on Saturday.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice High catcher Jonathan Mauro waits for the relay throw with arrives a little too late to get Vero Beach's Nate Downey.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. The home plate umpire explains to Vero Beach pitcher Colt Miller (4) why he called a balk on him.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. With the bases loaded, the umpire calls a balk in the sixth inning which brough home Kohen Poplin.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Zach Allaire motors home with another big run for Venice.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Courtesy runner Kane Judson takes second uncontested.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Graham Houston feels the pain of a hit-by-pitch which loaded the bases for Venice.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice head coach Craig Faulkner is there with a glad hand for RJ Shields as he pops up from his slide for a triple.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Indians first baseman Beau Daniel gets the tag down on a pickoff attempt just a little late.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice right fielder RJ Shields catches a fly ball just inside fair territory. Vero Beach scored on the sacrifice fly.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Indians pitcher Carter Cox fields his position to nail a Vero Beach runner.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice hurler Carter Cox pitches against Vero Beach.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Zach Allaire motors home with another big run for Venice.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice's Beau Daniel is on his way to second with a double.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice head coach Craig Faulkner checks on his shortstop after he was hit by a pitch in the ribs.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Carter Cox went the distance for Venice and earned the victory that propelled Venice into the finals.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Indians are on their way to the championship game.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. An inside pitch gets the attention of the Indians' Randall Riley.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Vero Beach head coach Bryan Rahal wants an explanation on a bases-loaded balk call in the sixth inning.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice High's August Backman gets back safely on a pickoff attempt.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. RJ Shields reaches safely for Venice.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Indians' Maddox Volk has a close play at first.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Indians' Jonathan Mauro drives in the first run for Venice in the third inning.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. A belt-high pitch is to Venice High's Jonathan Mauro's liking.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Jonathan Mauro of Venice.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Indians' Beau Daniel lets a dribbler down the first-base line go foul.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. A slide wasn't really necessary as RJ Shields slides into third base with a triple.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice and Vero Beach High players stand for the national anthem.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Graham Houston fires up the Venice dugout after a stand-up double.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Head coaches Bryan Rahal of Vero Beach, left, and Craig Faulkner of Venice shake hands after the final out.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. There is no throw as Venice's Kane Judson scores the tying run on a base hit by Maddox Volk.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Jonathan Mauro of Venice.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Hammond Stadium at Lee Health Sports Complex
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Carter Cox (10) pastes the Venice name on the final-four bracket.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice High's RJ Shields breaks into a sprint on his way to a triple.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Vero Beach pitcher Cody Morgan (3) covers first base to get Randall Riley of Venice by a step or two.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice will play in the championship game on Saturday.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice High catcher Jonathan Mauro waits for the relay throw with arrives a little too late to get Vero Beach's Nate Downey.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. The home plate umpire explains to Vero Beach pitcher Colt Miller (4) why he called a balk on him.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. With the bases loaded, the umpire calls a balk in the sixth inning which brough home Kohen Poplin.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Zach Allaire motors home with another big run for Venice.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Courtesy runner Kane Judson takes second uncontested.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Graham Houston feels the pain of a hit-by-pitch which loaded the bases for Venice.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice head coach Craig Faulkner is there with a glad hand for RJ Shields as he pops up from his slide for a triple.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Indians first baseman Beau Daniel gets the tag down on a pickoff attempt just a little late.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice right fielder RJ Shields catches a fly ball just inside fair territory. Vero Beach scored on the sacrifice fly.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Indians pitcher Carter Cox fields his position to nail a Vero Beach runner.
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Late rally propels Venice by Vero Beach, into Class 7A baseball title game
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice hurler Carter Cox pitches against Vero Beach.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Zach Allaire motors home with another big run for Venice.
38 / 40
Late rally propels Venice by Vero Beach, into Class 7A baseball title game
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice's Beau Daniel is on his way to second with a double.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice head coach Craig Faulkner checks on his shortstop after he was hit by a pitch in the ribs.
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Venice baseball photos of Class 7A state semifinal win over Vero Beach
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Carter Cox went the distance for Venice and earned the victory that propelled Venice into the finals.
“We’ve been put in moments like that all throughout the season with the good schedule that we have, and we’ve had that opportunity to be able to grasp those situations and remember to learn from them,” Cox said. “And I feel like with our team and our preparation, that’s how we as a team work as one to get out of those tough situations.”
After Graham Houston walked to load the bases, Vero Beach pitcher Colt Miller was called for a balk, bringing designated hitter Kohen Poplin home from third to make it 4-2. After the umpires conferred, the balk call remained, and, in a strange moment, the umpire who made the call went out to the mound to demonstrate the proper motion from the stretch.
Amped up by the comeback, Cox returned to the hill in the top of the seventh and retired the Vero Beach batters in order. The second out was a strikeout swinging and, for the third, he blew an inside fastball for a called strike three.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice's Beau Daniel is on his way to second with a double.
The Venice High baseball team defeated Vero Beach 4-2, in a come-from-behind Class 7A state semifinal victory at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Friday, May 15, 2026. Venice's Beau Daniel is on his way to second with a double.
“I knew he was going to freeze on a fastball in because he had seen a bunch of stuff away,” Cox said. “So that was good to be able to tunnel those pitches and work each part of the zone.”
After the game started with a scoreless two and a half innings, the Indians broke the ice in the bottom of the third. Poplin led off with a walk, then advanced to second on an August Backman sacrifice bunt. Jonathan Mauro hit a line drive to left field to drive Poplin home and put Venice up, 1-0.
