Phoenix, AZ – May 18, 2024 – In a thrilling championship game at South Mountain Field, the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Coyotes emerged victorious against South Mountain Community College (SMCC) with a 13-8 win, clinching their spot in the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado. The Coyotes showcased a remarkable blend of resilience, power, and clutch performance to overcome an early deficit and secure their place in the prestigious tournament.
Early Deficit and Slow Start
The Coyotes faced an early challenge as SMCC struck first in the top of the first inning. Carlos Mata led off with a single up the middle and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Justin Terranova. William Waters then struck out swinging, but Daniel Chacon delivered a two-out RBI single to left field, scoring Mata and giving SMCC a 1-0 lead. Despite a single by Kevin Waslefsky, Chacon was thrown out trying to advance to third, ending the inning with minimal damage.
The Coyotes' offense struggled to find its rhythm in the early innings. SMCC pitcher Sergio Hernandez held CSN scoreless through the first three innings, allowing only two hits and striking out three. The Coyotes' bats were uncharacteristically quiet, and they faced a 2-0 deficit after SMCC added another run in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Waters.
Momentum Shift in the Fourth
CSN's fortunes began to change in the bottom of the fourth inning. Garrison Geis led off with a single to center field, followed by a single from Tyman Long. A throwing error by SMCC's catcher on a grounder by Kyle Kiernan loaded the bases with no outs. Jack Wheatley then flied out to center field, driving in Geis and cutting the deficit to 2-1. Kiernan and Long executed a double steal, with Kiernan advancing to second and Long to third. Nicky Garritano walked to load the bases again, setting the stage for a pivotal moment.
Jet Gilliam struck out looking for the second out, but Brady Ballinger came through in the clutch, ripping a bases-clearing double to left center field. The hit drove in three runs, giving CSN a 4-2 lead. Ballinger advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Mikey Cruz, extending the lead to 5-2.
A Fierce Response from SMCC
Refusing to back down, SMCC mounted a comeback in the top of the fifth inning. Mata hit a solo home run to left field, making it 5-3. With two outs, Nolan Ficklin replaced CSN starter Seth Graham-Pippin on the mound. However, Ficklin struggled to find his command, allowing a walk to Chacon and a single to Waslefsky. Kaden Soder then took over the pitching duties and inherited a tough situation with runners on first and second.
SMCC capitalized on the opportunity as Logan Springmey hit a two-run single down the right field line, scoring Chacon and Waslefsky to tie the game at 5-5. Springmey advanced to second on a throwing error and scored on a single by Michael Romero, giving SMCC a 6-5 lead.
Coyotes' Explosive Fifth Inning
The Coyotes answered back immediately in the bottom of the fifth. Geis led off with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Long then delivered a towering two-run homer to left field, reclaiming the lead for CSN at 7-6. Kiernan followed with a single and advanced to third on another wild pitch. Wheatley walked, and Kiernan stole second, putting two runners in scoring position.
SMCC brought in Brett Koble to pitch, but the Coyotes continued their assault. Kiernan scored on a wild pitch, and Wheatley advanced to third. Cruz was hit by a pitch to load the bases, and Wheatley scored on another wild pitch, extending the lead to 9-6.
Continued Offensive Onslaught
In the bottom of the sixth, the Coyotes added to their lead. Long and Kiernan were both hit by pitches to start the inning, and SMCC brought in Mason Mazinter to pitch. A wild pitch advanced the runners, but Mazinter struck out Wheatley and Garritano to momentarily stem the tide. However, Gilliam delivered a clutch two-run single to left field, scoring Long and Kiernan and making it 11-7. Ballinger then launched a two-run homer to center field, further solidifying CSN's lead at 13-7.
Defense and Pitching Seal the Victory
The Coyotes' bullpen took over from there, with Brian Uribe pitching three strong innings, allowing two runs while striking out five. SMCC managed to score one more run in the top of the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Mata, but it was not enough to overcome CSN's lead. Dylan Venturini closed out the game in the ninth, securing the victory for the Coyotes with a scoreless inning.
Key Performances
- Brady Ballinger: Ballinger was a force at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run, double, and five RBIs. His clutch hitting in the fourth and sixth innings was instrumental in the Coyotes' victory.
- Tyman Long: Long had a standout performance, going 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs, and three runs scored. His two-run homer in the fifth inning was a game-changer.
- Jet Gilliam: Gilliam contributed with a key two-run single in the sixth inning, helping to extend the Coyotes' lead.
- Brian Uribe: Uribe provided crucial relief on the mound, pitching three solid innings and striking out five to keep SMCC at bay.
- Garrison Geis: Geis was a consistent presence in the lineup, going 3-for-5 and scoring three runs.
The College of Southern Nevada's victory over South Mountain Community College in the Western District Tournament Championship Game was a testament to their resilience, depth, and talent. Overcoming an early deficit, the Coyotes displayed relentless offense and solid pitching to secure their place in the JUCO World Series. With this win, CSN punches their ticket to Grand Junction, Colorado, where they will compete for a national championship.
Box Score Summary
South Mountain Community College: 1 0 1 0 4 1 0 1 0 – 8 12 1
College of Southern Nevada: 0 0 0 5 4 4 0 0 X – 13 11 0
W: Soder, Kaden (5-1)
L: K. Gray (2-3)
Individual Highlights
With their eyes set on the JUCO World Series, the Coyotes will continue to build on their strengths and showcase their exceptional talent on a national stage. The journey to Grand Junction, Colorado, marks a significant achievement for CSN, and the team is poised to make a deep run in the quest for a national championship.
