Henderson, NV - In a heart-stopping showdown at Henderson, NV, the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Coyotes clinched a nail-biting victory over South Mountain Community College with a final score of 6-4. This exhilarating game, held on January 28, 2025, showcased the Coyotes' resilience and strategic prowess, propelling their season record to an impressive 3-1.

CSN's starting pitcher, Chase Frey, took the mound with determination, setting the stage for what would become a pitching duel marked by strategic maneuvers and clutch performances.

The initial innings set a tense tone for the game. Both teams' defenses held strong, resulting in a scoreless first inning. South Mountain opened the scoring in the top of the third, taking advantage of a triple by Marty Romero, followed by a groundout RBI by Brady Lord and a sacrifice fly by Bryan Lorenz, putting them ahead 2-0. CSN responded in the bottom of the third when Tyler Garritano's triple drove in Jake Gorrell, narrowing the gap to 2-1.

The fourth inning was pivotal for the Coyotes, who turned the game on its head with a stunning display of batting. Jack Wheatley sparked the rally with a single, followed by an RBI double from Matthew Ziroli. The real game-changer came when Roy Durham delivered a thunderous double down the right-field line, clearing the bases and catapulting CSN into the lead with three RBIs, making it 5-4 in favor of the home team.

The CSN pitching staff had a roller-coaster day but managed to maintain control at crucial moments. Blake Uribe, who entered the game in the fourth inning, found himself in a tight spot but limited the damage to two runs, earning his first win of the season. The relief pitchers, Eric Galvan and Logan Smith, displayed poise and precision, with Smith pitching a flawless sixth inning. The game was eventually sealed by Mayson Reichartz, who notched his first save of the season in a flawless seventh inning, striking out two batters and showing remarkable composure.

CSN's defense had moments of brilliance interspersed with occasional lapses. The lone error by Tyler Garritano in the third inning allowed South Mountain an extra base, but the team quickly regrouped. Key defensive plays, including a double play initiated by Jack Wheatley, helped stifle South Mountain's momentum and protected the Coyotes' lead.

The Coyotes' aggressive base running paid dividends, with Jake Gorrell and Alex Rhynes executing crucial stolen bases that contributed to scoring opportunities. The sacrifice bunt by Jack Wheatley in the fifth inning demonstrated CSN's strategic approach to building pressure and advancing runners into scoring positions.

At the plate, CSN displayed a balanced attack. Alex Rhynes led the charge with two hits and an RBI, showcasing his speed and batting skill. Roy Durham's critical double was the highlight of the game, underlining his clutch hitting ability. Contributions from Chaz McNelis and Matthew Ziroli, each with pivotal doubles, underscored the depth of CSN's batting lineup.

The game concluded after seven innings with CSN emerging victorious, a testament to their strategic execution and teamwork. The timely hits, strategic pitching changes, and solid defense were pivotal in overcoming a strong challenge from South Mountain.

As the Coyotes continue their season, this victory stands as a symbol of their resilience and competitive spirit. With a strategic blend of aggressive offense and steadfast defense, the CSN Coyotes are proving to be formidable contenders in the collegiate baseball landscape.