Phoenix, AZ – May 16, 2024 – The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Coyotes kicked off their Western District Tournament campaign with a thrilling 7-5 victory over Pima Community College (PCC) at South Mountain Field. The game, which lasted just under three hours, showcased the Coyotes' resilience and determination, ultimately securing them a crucial win in this high-stakes tournament.
Early Action Sets the Tone
The Coyotes started strong in the first inning with an assertive display of batting prowess. After Jet Gilliam flied out to center field, Brady Ballinger walked, setting the stage for Ashton Zacher's single to center field. Garrison Geis then delivered a critical hit, driving in Ballinger and advancing Zacher to third on a throwing error by PCC's center fielder. Despite Tyman Long striking out to end the inning, CSN had already drawn first blood, leading 1-0.
Pima responded quickly in the top of the second inning. A triple by Brandon Kragel followed by a passed ball allowed him to score, tying the game. Devin Shackelfo's walk and a double by Andrew Avila put runners in scoring positions. Robert Castro's sacrifice fly brought home Shackelfo, putting Pima ahead 2-1. However, CSN's Lucas Boesen managed to mitigate further damage by striking out Cade Herd and Ethan Reeves to end the threat.
Middle Innings Drama
The Coyotes regained control in the fourth inning. Geis was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a fielding error by PCC's shortstop. Jack Wheatley's single and subsequent fielding error by the left fielder allowed both Geis and Wheatley to score, pushing CSN ahead 3-2. The inning ended with minimal damage, but the Coyotes had regained their lead.
Brian Uribe took over pitching duties in the fifth inning for the Coyotes and continued to hold Pima at bay. A single by Kragel was the only offensive highlight for Pima as Uribe induced a series of outs to maintain CSN's slim lead.
Long Ball Drama
The sixth inning brought significant drama as both teams displayed their power-hitting capabilities. In the top half, Castro reached on a throwing error and Herd capitalized with a two-run homer to left-center, giving Pima a 4-3 lead. The Coyotes, however, were quick to answer back. Tyman Long led off the bottom half with a solo home run, leveling the score at 4-4. Gilliam then crushed a two-run homer to left-center, scoring Wheatley and giving the Coyotes a 6-4 advantage. The momentum had shifted firmly in favor of the Coyotes.
Tension in the Seventh
Kaden Soder replaced Uribe on the mound in the seventh inning and immediately faced pressure. A double by Jesse Hennesy and an RBI single by Kragel cut the Coyotes' lead to 6-5. However, Soder struck out Shackelfo and induced a fly out from Avila to escape the inning with the lead intact.
In the bottom of the seventh, Zacher's double and Geis' single set the stage for another run-scoring opportunity. A passed ball allowed Zacher to score, giving the Coyotes a 7-5 lead. However, Geis was caught in a pickoff play, ending the inning but not before CSN had added an insurance run.
Closing it Out
Dylan Venturini took the mound in the eighth inning and continued the strong relief work for the Coyotes, allowing only one hit and no runs. In the top of the ninth, Hunter Alberini was called upon to close out the game. Despite walking Kragel and Shackelfo, Alberini held his nerve, striking out Avila and inducing a fly out from Connor Cummings to seal the 7-5 victory.
Key Performances
Jet Gilliam and Tyman Long were the offensive standouts for the Coyotes. Gilliam's home run and two RBIs were pivotal, while Long's solo shot helped shift momentum back to CSN. Ashton Zacher's three-hit performance and Garrison Geis' two-hit, one-RBI effort provided additional firepower.
On the mound, Brian Uribe earned the win with two innings of effective relief, allowing just one earned run. Soder and Venturini bridged the gap to Alberini, who recorded his fifth save of the season.
Conclusion
The Coyotes' victory in Game 1 of the Western District Tournament was a testament to their depth and resilience. Overcoming a mid-game deficit and capitalizing on key offensive opportunities, CSN showcased why they are a formidable force in this tournament. With their eyes set on advancing, the Coyotes will look to build on this win as they continue their quest for the championship.
Box Score Summary
Pima Community College: 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 – 5 11 3
College of Southern Nevada: 1 0 0 2 0 3 1 0 X – 7 11 1
W: Uribe, Brian (2-2)
L: D. Alvarez (8-2)
S: Alberini, Hunter (5)
Individual Highlights
The Coyotes will now prepare for their next challenge, aiming to continue their winning ways in the Western District Tournament.
