Henderson, NV - The College of Southern Nevada Coyotes squared off against Central Arizona College in what marked the first of a three-game series within the ACCAC conference. Played on January 31, 2025, at Morse Stadium, this matchup not only showcased the early season's tactics and resilience but also set the tone for conference play, with CSN rallying to a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Central Arizona.

The game commenced with Central Arizona quickly setting a challenging pace. In the top of the first inning, despite a grounded out and a strikeout, Central Arizona's savvy base running and CSN's initial defensive missteps saw the visitors jump ahead with two runs. Errors by CSN's third baseman and catcher allowed Central Arizona to capitalize, bringing a sense of urgency to the Coyotes' dugout from the onset.

Despite these early setbacks, the home team's response was measured. The first inning ended with quick outs, reflecting CSN's need to recalibrate. The second inning saw CSN's resolve begin to manifest. Catcher Ashton Zacher doubled down the right field line, and right fielder Jaxson Reiser singled up the middle, notching an RBI as Zacher scored, cutting the deficit in half to 2-1. Reiser's stolen base thereafter highlighted CSN's aggressive base-running strategy aimed at rattling Central Arizona's defense.

By the fourth inning, the momentum notably shifted towards the Coyotes. After a couple of scoreless innings, CSN erupted for three runs, courtesy of a sequence filled with strategic hits and capitalizing on their opponents' errors. After Jaxson Reiser reached on an error and advanced on a throwing error by Central Arizona's pitcher, he scored on a single by left fielder Chaz McNelis, tying the game. McNelis then stole second, positioning himself perfectly for Alex Rhynes, who delivered a two-RBI single to right center, bringing in McNelis and shortstop Jack Wheatley to give CSN a 4-2 lead.

Central Arizona, stifled by CSN's pitcher Chase Frey's control and strategic pitching through the middle innings, struggled to mount significant threats. Frey, earning his first win of the season, tossed three scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out three. His performance was crucial in maintaining the lead established by CSN's hitters.

As the game moved into the later innings, CSN's bullpen held firm. Pitchers Simon Lemke and Andrew Kaplan, who recorded his first save, sealed the deal with nearly flawless relief appearances. Kaplan's final inning was particularly dominant, retiring Central Arizona's batters in order to secure the Coyotes' victory.

The game concluded in a brisk one hour and fifty-eight minutes, CSN improve their season record to 6-1, while Central Arizona fell to 1-4. The defensive game was not without its errors, with CSN committing three and Central Arizona two, yet the resilience and tactical prowess displayed by CSN's lineup, combined with solid pitching, underscored a robust start to their conference campaign.

Looking Ahead

As CSN prepares for the next games in the series, the strategic nuances of this victory provide a blueprint for sustaining momentum. The balance of aggressive base running, timely hitting, and strategic pitching that characterized their game against Central Arizona sets a high bar for subsequent matchups.

This opening win not only contributes positively to CSN's standings in the ACCAC but also builds confidence among the players and coaching staff. The focus is firmly set on maintaining this performance level, aiming for consistency that will define their season.