Prescott, AZ - On a sun-drenched afternoon at Roughrider Park in Prescott, Arizona, the College of Southern Nevada Coyotes showcased their dominance in a decisive 13-5 victory over the Yavapai College Rough Riders. This win solidified the Coyotes' stellar start to the season, pushing their record to an impressive 10-1 overall and 8-1 in ACCAC play. The game marked the culmination of a three-game series where the Coyotes' prowess was on full display, encapsulating the strength and depth of their roster.
The Coyotes opened the scoring early in the first inning with a solo home run by Chaz McNelis, setting the tone for what would be a high-scoring game. Yavapai responded quickly, tying the game in the bottom of the first due to a fielding error that allowed Liam Richards to score. However, that was as close as Yavapai would get, as CSN took control in the subsequent innings.
In the second inning, CSN exploded for three runs, highlighted by McNelis's two-run triple, which was part of his remarkable day at the plate where he racked up three hits, drove in three runs, and scored three times. The Coyotes continued their offensive onslaught with three runs in the fifth inning, including a three-run homer by Roy Durham, and a five-run barrage in the sixth inning, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Logan Smith started on the mound for CSN and earned the win, pitching four solid innings and allowing just one earned run. Boston Jensen and Kaden McIver came out of the bullpen to close the game, navigating through the Yavapai lineup with relative ease, despite a few hiccups that led to runs in the sixth inning.
For Yavapai, Chase Blease took the loss, giving up four earned runs in just three innings of work. The Rough Riders' bullpen struggled to contain CSN's hitters, with Griffen Clapp and Justin Parkes particularly ineffective, allowing multiple runs and failing to stem the Coyotes' momentum.
CSN's lineup was relentless, with every player contributing to the team's 13 runs. Highlights included multiple extra-base hits, such as McNelis's cycle of a single, double, triple, and home run, and Teddy Chartier's crucial doubles that drove in runs at key moments. The Coyotes also showcased aggressive base running, stealing multiple bases, which included steals by McNelis, Ashton Zacher, Harvey Smerdon, and Chartier.
Despite two errors, CSN's defense held firm when it mattered most, turning a crucial double play in the third inning to stifle a potential rally by Yavapai. The team's ability to play solid defense, combined with timely hitting and aggressive base running, underscored a well-rounded team performance.
The victory over Yavapai sets up an intriguing matchup next week, as the Coyotes travel to Yuma, Arizona, to face the Arizona Western College Matadors. With their current form, the Coyotes will look to continue their dominant play and further cement their position at the top of the ACCAC standings.
This game not only highlights the Coyotes' potent offense and effective pitching but also demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure and in hostile environments. As the season progresses, CSN's depth, talent, and resilience make them a formidable opponent in the ACCAC and potentially beyond.
