Henderson, NV – April 13, 2024 – On a warm Saturday afternoon at Morse Stadium, the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) baseball team showcased a dominant performance, overpowering Community Christian College (CCC) with a staggering 17-6 victory in a game that lasted just five innings due to the mercy rule. This win boosts CSN's impressive season record to 33-8.
The game kicked off with a shaky start for CSN as CCC managed to put two runs on the board in the first inning due to a fielding error and a sacrifice fly. However, CSN quickly regrouped and matched the runs in the bottom of the same inning, with key hits by Brady Ballinger and Mikey Cruz.
The real momentum shift came in the second inning when CSN unleashed an offensive onslaught, scoring eight runs. Jack Wheatley started the rally with a triple to right center, followed by a sequence of hits and smart base running that left CCC struggling to keep up. By the end of the inning, CSN had not only taken a commanding lead but had also clearly taken the wind out of CCC's sails.
CSN's pitcher, Logan Smith, who improved his season record to 4-0, delivered a solid performance over two innings, striking out three and allowing just one earned run. His outing set the tone for the bullpen, with Brian Uribe and Austin Whittaker contributing to maintain the lead despite some challenges in the top of the fifth inning.
Mikey Cruz was particularly outstanding, going 3-for-4 with a home run and five RBIs, demonstrating why he is considered one of the top players in the league. Dylan Venturini also made significant contributions with a home run and three RBIs, while Brady Ballinger and Jack Wheatley each added multiple extra-base hits to pile on the pressure.
Despite CCC's efforts to rally in the fifth inning, where they scored three runs, the gap was too large to overcome. Austin Whittaker, who took the mound in the last inning, struck out three but also allowed three runs, showing some vulnerability in CSN's bullpen that the team will look to address in upcoming games.
CSN's coach Nick Garritano expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly praising the hitters for their aggressive and focused plate appearances. "Our lineup did a fantastic job today in applying pressure early and often. It's games like these that build confidence and cohesion in the team," he commented after the game.
For CCC, it was a tough day on the field, with pitcher E. Spray taking the loss after surrendering nine runs in just 1.2 innings. The defensive effort was hampered by an error and several wild pitches that contributed to the runaway scoreline.
The game was a showcase of CSN's offensive capabilities and their ability to bounce back from early setbacks. The victory not only exemplifies CSN's powerful lineup but also highlights their strategic approach to the game, making them one of the teams to watch as the season progresses.
As CSN looks forward to their next game, they will be focusing on maintaining their strong offensive play while tightening up their pitching to prevent late-game rallies by their opponents. With a robust record and a deep roster, CSN remains optimistic about their chances in the postseason and their pursuit of a championship title.
