Seven baseball players recognized by Southern Conference

The Eastern Florida State College baseball team had seven players makes the all-Southern Conference teams this week.

Starting pitcher Tommy Romero was named the Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year, leading Region 8 in earned run average (1.13) and strikeouts (136) this season. Romero was also named the Region 8 Pitcher of the Week this week.

Titans reliever Tim Luth was named the Fireman of the Year in the conference, finishing the regular season with nine saves. Luth heads to the state tournament with a 3.00 ERA.

Romero was joined by infielder Jacob McFadden, catcher Jeff Korte and outfielder Sammy Duran as first team all-conference selections. Norberto Navarro and Elian Merejo were each named to the second team.

McFadden played in 44 games, hitting .340 and led the team with 38 RBI. Korte, who had the game-winning hit in the Wild Card game last week is hitting .313 this season. Duran is hitting .350 this season, driving in 35 runs.

Navarro is hitting .308 with 50 runs scored and 14 stolen bases while Merejo is hitting .339 with 14 doubles.

The Titans will open the FCSAA State Tournament Friday afternoon against Northwest Florida State at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.