HENDERSON, NV — The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) baseball team faced a challenging setback in Game 3 of the Region 18 Baseball Tournament, falling 9-7 to Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) in an 11-inning marathon. Despite a gritty performance that saw multiple lead changes, CSN couldn't clinch the victory in a game filled with strategic twists and intense competition.

The initial innings set the tone for a tight contest. Both teams were locked in a pitcher's duel with neither side able to break through until the third inning when CSN drew first blood. This was followed by a burst of energy in the fourth inning as CSN rallied to put three runs on the board, thanks to a combination of solid hits and a crucial error by SLCC.

Jet Gilliam, Brady Ballinger, and Garrison Geis were pivotal in this early offensive surge. Ballinger's double in the third inning brought in the first run, setting up the stage for more scoring in the fourth. Here, Ashton Zacher and Derek Smith combined with Geis to drive in runs, capitalizing on SLCC's shaky moments.

SLCC responded in the top of the fourth with two runs, demonstrating their resilience and setting the stage for a back-and-forth battle. T. Johnsen and K. Hodson were instrumental, with Hodson's sacrifice fly and subsequent double in later innings proving crucial for SLCC's comeback efforts.

As the game progressed, both bullpens were tested. CSN's pitchers, starting with Naun Haro and later Tyler Ray and Dylan Venturini, initially held firm but eventually yielded to SLCC's persistent offense. The seventh and eighth innings saw SLCC adding four runs to their tally, overturning the lead and putting immense pressure on CSN.

Despite the adversities, CSN showed no signs of relenting. A thrilling bottom of the eighth witnessed Ballinger hitting a critical double to clear the bases, briefly regaining the lead for CSN. This hit underscored Ballinger's pivotal role in the lineup, as he finished the day with multiple RBIs and key hits.

The game extended into extra innings after SLCC tied it in the ninth. The tension was palpable as both teams exchanged zeroes in the tenth. However, the eleventh inning proved decisive. SLCC managed to score twice, thanks to hits from Johnsen, Bluth, Hodson, and a two-RBI single by H. Manwaring, which ultimately sealed the game despite CSN's efforts to rally in the bottom half.

Brian Uribe, who took the mound late for CSN, was saddled with the loss, highlighting the razor-thin margins in postseason play. His stint included some crucial strikeouts but also key hits that led to runs in the eleventh.

For CSN, this game was a mix of high hopes and tough lessons. The offense showed sparks of brilliance with Ballinger and Geis leading the charge, but defensive errors and missed opportunities eventually cost them. The bullpen, usually reliable, found itself outmaneuvered by SLCC's strategic hitting.

Looking ahead, CSN must regroup and focus on their strengths. The team's resilience and ability to score under pressure will be key factors as they continue their journey in the tournament. With their backs against the wall, CSN is expected to come back stronger, with a focus on tightening their game play and executing under pressure.

This 11-inning saga will be remembered for its dramatic shifts and the heart displayed by both teams, setting a high standard for the rest of the tournament at Morse Stadium.