Grand Junction, CO – May 25, 2024 – In a game that epitomized the drama and intensity of college baseball, the #9 College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Coyotes secured a nail-biting 7-6 victory over #2 Northwest Florida (NWF) in 10 innings. The win not only bolstered the Coyotes' JUCO World Series campaign but also highlighted their resilience and tenacity in the face of fierce competition.
The game started with a bang as both teams traded blows right out of the gate. CSN's Jet Gilliam led off with a single through the right side, setting the stage for Brady Ballinger, who launched a two-run homer to left field, giving the Coyotes an early 2-0 lead. However, NWF quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning. Chase Williams singled through the left side and advanced to third on a fielding error by left fielder Garrison Geis. Cayden Gaskin's sacrifice fly and Colby Jones reaching on a throwing error by shortstop Jack Wheatley allowed Williams to score, tying the game at 2-2.
The second inning saw both teams settling down defensively. Despite allowing a single and a walk, CSN's Lucas Boesen managed to escape without further damage. Meanwhile, NWF's Sam Strek retired the Coyotes in order, keeping the score tied.
NWF took the lead in the third inning when Jones, after being hit by a pitch, stole second and advanced to third on a single by Jaquae Stewart. A sacrifice fly by Brock Tapper scored Jones, putting NWF ahead 3-2.
CSN tied the game in the fifth inning when Kaiden Smaka singled to second base and Wheatley followed with a single through the left side. Nicky Garritano laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, allowing Smaka to score and tie the game at 3-3. However, the Coyotes were unable to capitalize further as Ballinger struck out looking to end the inning.
In the bottom of the fifth, NWF regained the lead. Stewart homered to center field, putting NWF up 4-3. The Coyotes' pitching continued to be tested, but Boesen managed to limit the damage, keeping CSN within striking distance.
The seventh inning proved pivotal for the Coyotes. Garritano singled to left field, and Gilliam followed with a single through the left side. Ballinger then singled to center field, driving in Garritano and Gilliam and advancing to third on a fielding error by Williams. Cruz added a sacrifice fly, scoring Ballinger and giving CSN a 6-4 lead.
NWF continued to fight back. In the bottom of the seventh, Tapper doubled to left center, scoring Qrey Lott and cutting the deficit to 6-5. The game remained tight as both teams struggled to gain the upper hand. In the bottom of the ninth, Tapper walked and advanced to third on a single by Bryce Hubbard. Tyler Lejeune then singled to left field, scoring Tapper and tying the game at 6-6, forcing extra innings.
With the tension palpable, CSN stepped up in the top of the 10th inning. With two outs, Tyman Long delivered a clutch solo home run to left field, giving the Coyotes a 7-6 lead. The pressure then shifted to CSN's pitching staff to close out the game.
In the bottom of the 10th, Brian Uribe and Naun Haro combined to shut the door on NWF. After a leadoff walk and another walk to Stewart, Haro struck out Tapper looking to end the game, securing the Coyotes' hard-fought victory.
Key Performances
- Brady Ballinger: Ballinger had a stellar game, going 3-for-5 with a home run, double, and three RBIs. His offensive production was crucial in keeping CSN in the game.
- Tyman Long: Long's solo home run in the 10th inning proved to be the game-winner. He finished 1-for-4 with two RBIs.
- Jet Gilliam: Gilliam went 2-for-5 and scored two key runs, setting the table for the Coyotes' offense.
- Nicky Garritano: Garritano's sacrifice bunt in the fifth inning tied the game and his single in the seventh inning ignited the go-ahead rally.
- Brian Uribe and Naun Haro: The bullpen duo combined for 1.1 scoreless innings, with Uribe earning the win and Haro securing the save.
Box Score Summary
Southern Nevada: 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 1 – 7 11 4
Northwest Florida: 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 – 6 12 1
W: Uribe, Brian (1-0)
L: Brock Tapper (0-1)
S: Haro, Naun (1)
Individual Highlights
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Northwest Florida:
- Jaquae Stewart: 2-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 Run, 3 BB
- Tyler Lejeune: 4-for-5, 1 RBI, 1 SB
- Brock Tapper: 1-for-4, 1 2B, 2 RBIs
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Southern Nevada:
The College of Southern Nevada's victory over Northwest Florida in the JUCO World Series was a testament to their grit and determination. Despite facing multiple lead changes and defensive errors, the Coyotes showcased their ability to rally and perform under pressure. With this win, CSN continues its quest for a national championship, bringing their record to 52-10 and 1-0 in the JUCO World Series.
As the Coyotes prepare for their next matchup, they do so with the confidence and momentum gained from this hard-fought victory. The road to the national title remains challenging, but CSN has proven they have the resilience and talent to compete with the best.
The Coyotes will now look ahead to their next opponent, aiming to build on their success and continue their journey in Grand Junction, Colorado. With a blend of powerful hitting, effective pitching, and clutch performances, CSN has all the ingredients necessary for a deep run in the JUCO World Series.
JUCO WORLD SERIES
