Henderson, NV - The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Coyotes showcased their resilience and strategic acumen in a thrilling comeback to clinch the second game of a doubleheader against South Mountain Community College. On a breezy evening in Henderson, NV, on January 28, 2025, the Coyotes edged out South Mountain with a narrow 3-2 victory, improving their season record to an impressive 5-1.

The game was characterized by a gripping pitcher's duel and strategic defensive plays. CSN's pitching lineup saw Ethan Broome open the game, followed by a sequence of relievers including Kaden McIver, Tyler Kennedy, and finally Boston Jensen, who claimed his first win of the season. South Mountain's pitchers, Grant Young, Sam Yeager, and Matt Elliot, countered strongly, with Elliot taking the loss despite a gritty performance.

The initial innings were marked by a strategic chess match between the two sides. South Mountain opened the scoring in the second inning following a walk that loaded the bases and a subsequent walk by Marty Romero that brought in the first run. CSN's defense held firm, preventing further damage despite some shaky moments that included a fielding error by shortstop Harvey Smerdon.

CSN's breakthrough came in the fourth inning. Brandon Swanson ignited the Coyotes' offense with a sharp single, followed by Jaxson Reiser's base hit that put runners on the corners. It was Harvey Smerdon who delivered a clutch single to right field, driving in Swanson to tie the game. Jake Gorrell then lifted a sacrifice fly to center, allowing Reiser to tag up and score, giving CSN a temporary 2-1 lead.

The top of the fifth saw South Mountain tie the game at 2-2, thanks to Raul Parada's RBI double, which capitalized on a rare throwing error by CSN's pitcher Tyler Kennedy. The Coyotes, however, were not to be outdone. The seventh inning was decisive. After Jaxson Reiser was hit by a pitch, he stole third and then scored on an error by South Mountain's catcher Landon Springmey, marking a dramatic finish to a tightly contested game.

CSN's defense had moments of brilliance but also showed vulnerabilities with three errors. Nonetheless, key defensive plays and aggressive baserunning, including stolen bases by Jaxson Reiser, Harvey Smerdon, and Joey Randazzo, were crucial in building pressure and ultimately securing the win.

This victory underlines the Coyotes' ability to leverage their strengths and adapt under pressure, characteristics that bode well for the remainder of the season. With solid pitching performances, timely hitting, and strategic baserunning, CSN demonstrated a winning combination that reflects the team's depth and resilience.