HENDERSON, NV, March 15, 2025 — In a high-octane finale to their three-game series, Cochise College unleashed a powerful offensive display to defeat the College of Southern Nevada Coyotes 17-11 at Morse Stadium. This victory moves Cochise to a 25-8 record while CSN slips to 28-6 overall, marking a 16-5 tally in ACCAC Conference play.
From the outset, Cochise demonstrated their intent to dominate, scoring early and often. The first inning set the tone as Francisco Laya and Jorge Cardenas each drove in runs with doubles, igniting a scoring spree that persisted throughout the game. Laya, in particular, was a standout performer, notching a homer and bringing in a total of five RBIs.
CSN struggled to contain Cochise's hitters, who collectively racked up 17 hits. The middle innings saw the game briefly tighten as CSN mounted a comeback in the fifth, highlighted by Matthew Ziroli's three-run homer that narrowed the gap. However, Cochise responded emphatically in the following frames, notably with a four-run burst in the fifth inning, driven by Laya's grand slam.
The pitching for CSN faced relentless pressure, with starter Tyler Avery taking the loss after yielding three runs in his three-inning stint. The bullpen fared little better, struggling to stem the tide of Cochise's aggressive baserunning and sharp hitting. In contrast, Ramses Guerra earned the win for Cochise, despite a rocky 4.2 innings where he surrendered four runs but managed to keep his team in front.
CSN's late-game efforts, including a rally in the ninth where they scored three runs, showcased their resilience but were insufficient to overturn the deficit. Key hits from Chaz McNelis, who had three RBIs, and clutch pinch-hitting appearances tried to spark a comeback but fell short against Cochise's substantial lead.
Defensively, both teams showed signs of strain under the high-scoring conditions, each committing multiple errors that contributed to the day's run total. These missteps underscored a game characterized more by offensive firepower than pitching or defensive prowess.
As Cochise College takes the series with this decisive win, both teams will reflect on a game that, while a showcase of batting strength, highlighted areas for improvement in pitching and fielding. For CSN, regrouping after this loss will be crucial as they continue to pursue their goals in ACCAC play. Cochise, meanwhile, will look to carry this momentum forward, bolstered by a potent lineup that has proven its capacity to dominate on the diamond.
