Henderson, NV - The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) Coyotes showcased their dominance in the final game of their three-game ACCAC conference series, sealing a 6-3 victory over Central Arizona College.
The early innings were marked by strategic plays and solid pitching, with neither team scoring until the third inning. CSN's pitcher, James Bradford, provided a stable start, striking out four and giving up just one hit over three scoreless innings. This set the tone for CSN's strong defensive game, which would prove crucial in maintaining their lead throughout the contest.
The third inning saw CSN break the deadlock. Chaz McNelis walked and then stole second, setting up Tyler Garritano, who lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, bringing McNelis home. Ashton Zacher added to the score by striking out but reached first on a dropped third strike, allowing Joey Randazzo, who had singled earlier, to score due to an error by Central Arizona's third baseman.
The sixth inning was pivotal for the Coyotes, who extended their lead to 5-0. A combination of aggressive baserunning and Central Arizona's defensive errors allowed CSN to capitalize fully. Roy Durham and Ashton Zacher were both hit by pitches, with Durham later scoring on a bunt single by Matthew Ziroli, which was mishandled by Central Arizona's first baseman. Alex Rhynes, pinch-hitting for Joey Randazzo, then doubled to left-center, driving in two more runs.
Central Arizona attempted a rally in the seventh inning. They loaded the bases with walks and a hit by pitch. Cannon Albright, pinch-hitting, walked to bring in a run, and another scored on a groundout by Easton Rulli. A passed ball allowed a third run to score, cutting the deficit to 5-3. However, CSN's bullpen managed to stifle any further advance, with Simon Lemke and Andrew Kaplan maintaining control from the mound.
In the bottom of the seventh, CSN added an insurance run. Tyler Garritano reached on another error by Central Arizona and later scored on a single by Ashton Zacher, further solidifying CSN's lead. The game concluded with Andrew Kaplan securing his third save of the season, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning, cementing the 6-3 victory.
CSN's defense was notable, with only one error compared to Central Arizona's four. This defensive solidity allowed the Coyotes to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes, and combined with strategic hitting, secured their series sweep. The Coyotes' pitchers also contributed significantly, with Logan Smith earning his first win of the season in a crucial relief appearance.
With this win, CSN improved their ACCAC conference record to 5-1 and their overall record to 7-1, signaling a strong start to their season. The series sweep against Central Arizona not only boosts their standings but also their confidence as they continue to contend in the ACCAC conference.
The Coyotes have demonstrated their strength both offensively and defensively, showing they can capitalize on opportunities and control the game's pace. As they look forward to their next series, the team's focus will likely remain on maintaining their strong pitching performances and tightening their defensive plays to minimize errors.
This victory serves not just as a win in the standings but also as a statement of intent from the Coyotes, who are shaping up to be a formidable force in the ACCAC this season.
