Grand Junction, CO – May 28, 2024 – The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Coyotes showcased their resilience and determination as they staged a thrilling comeback to defeat the Crowder Roughriders 7-6 in Game 11 of the JUCO World Series. The victory, highlighted by a dramatic ninth-inning rally, advances CSN to a 2-1 record in the tournament, while Crowder falls to 0-2 and has been eliminated from the tournament.
Early Inning Struggles
The game began with both teams looking to establish their footing. CSN's starting pitcher, Seth Graham-Pippin, managed a solid first inning, retiring Crowder's top three hitters. However, Crowder struck first in the second inning. After Ethan Fender singled and advanced to third on a fielding error by center fielder Jet Gilliam, a sacrifice fly by Hayden Nazarenus brought Fender home, giving Crowder a 1-0 lead.
The Coyotes struggled to respond in their half of the inning. Despite Ashton Zacher drawing a walk and advancing on a wild pitch, CSN failed to capitalize as Garrison Geis and Tyman Long struck out, and Kaiden Smaka grounded out to end the threat.
Middle Innings: Battle for Momentum
In the third inning, Crowder extended their lead. After a hit-by-pitch and a double by Jace Morton, the Coyotes committed another costly error, allowing another run to score, putting them in a 2-0 deficit. CSN responded in the bottom half when Brady Ballinger doubled to right field, scoring Jack Wheatley, who had reached on an error, cutting Crowder's lead to 2-1.
The Roughriders added to their lead in the fourth inning. After two singles and a walk loaded the bases, Crowder capitalized on a series of defensive miscues by CSN. An error by first baseman Brady Ballinger and another error by shortstop Jack Wheatley led to three unearned runs, extending Crowder's lead to 5-1.
CSN's offense continued to battle back. In the bottom of the fourth, Long smashed a solo home run to left field, narrowing the gap to 5-2. The Coyotes added another run in the fifth inning when Zacher singled, driving in Cruz, who had reached on an error. Despite these efforts, CSN trailed 6-3 as the game entered the later innings.
Late Inning Resilience
The game's intensity escalated as both teams tightened their defenses. Reliever Kaden Soder took over pitching duties for CSN in the fourth inning, and despite allowing an unearned run, managed to limit further damage. Nolan Ficklin and Logan Smith followed with scoreless innings, keeping the Coyotes within striking distance.
In the bottom of the eighth, with the Coyotes still trailing 6-3, they began to mount a comeback. Geis reached on an error by Crowder's third baseman, setting the stage for Long. After a walk to Long, Smaka delivered a crucial RBI single, bringing CSN within two runs at 6-4. However, the Coyotes left two runners stranded, setting up a dramatic ninth inning.
Ninth-Inning Heroics
The bottom of the ninth inning began with renewed energy from the Coyotes. Ballinger led off with a walk, and Cruz followed with a clutch double to left-center, scoring Ballinger and making it 6-5. The Coyotes' dugout erupted with excitement as they sensed the game slipping away from Crowder.
Matthew Ramirez came in as a pinch-runner for Cruz and quickly advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Zacher. With one out, Geis executed a perfect squeeze bunt, allowing Ramirez to score and tying the game at 6-6. Long then stepped up and delivered the game-winning RBI single through the left side, scoring Kyle Kiernan, who had pinch-run for Zacher.
Key Performances
- Tyman Long: Long was instrumental in the Coyotes' victory, going 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and the game-winning hit in the ninth inning.
- Brady Ballinger: Ballinger showcased his patience and power, going 1-for-3 with a double, two walks, and scoring two crucial runs.
- Mikey Cruz: Cruz contributed both offensively and defensively, scoring a key run in the ninth inning and delivering a critical double to spark the comeback.
Box Score Summary
Crowder: 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 – 6 5 3
Southern Nevada: 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 3 – 7 7 5
W: Hunter Alberini (1-0)
L: Austin Jobe (0-1)
Individual Highlights
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Crowder:
- Jace Morton: 2-for-4, 1 Double, 1 RBI
- Zack Hunt: 1-for-4, 1 Home Run, 1 RBI
- Ethan Fender: 1-for-3, 1 Run
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Southern Nevada:
The College of Southern Nevada's victory over Crowder was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and never-give-up attitude. Despite trailing for most of the game and committing five errors, the Coyotes displayed remarkable composure and determination to mount a comeback and secure a vital win in the JUCO World Series.
With their record now at 2-1 in the tournament, the Coyotes will look to build on this momentum as they continue their quest for a national championship. The journey ahead remains challenging, but with their blend of powerful hitting, strong pitching, and clutch performances, CSN has proven they are a formidable contender.
The Coyotes' next game will be crucial as they aim to advance further in the tournament and bring home the national title. With the support of their fans and the experience gained from this thrilling victory, CSN is poised to make a deep run in the JUCO World Series.
