HENDERSON, NV — In a dramatic twist of events, #15 Salt Lake Community College Bruins overturned a deficit in the late innings to secure a 5-4 victory over the #2 College of Southern Nevada Coyotes in the opening game of their series at Morse Stadium. The win pushes SLCC's record to 10-4, while CSN falls to 22-4 on the season.
The game was a pitcher's duel through the early innings, with CSN taking a modest lead thanks to strategic plays and a crucial sacrifice fly by Jack Wheatley that brought in a run in the fourth inning. The Coyotes led 4-0 going into the eighth inning, bolstered by solid pitching from starter Chase Frey and relievers Kaden Soder and Evan Festa, who collectively held the Bruins at bay until the later stages of the game.
However, the Bruins found their stride in the eighth inning. A double by Colton Stanton drove in two runs, immediately followed by a sacrifice fly from Taylor Ayala, adding another run. The Bruins completed their comeback in the ninth with two additional runs, capitalizing on a critical throwing error by CSN's shortstop, Jack Wheatley, allowing Jalen Seward and Kade Gambill to score, making it a 5-4 game.
CSN attempted a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, but Darius Henderson, who came in to save the game for the Bruins, held the line, ensuring the Bruins walked away with the win.
Salt Lake's Dallin Weatherly was credited with the win after pitching two crucial scoreless innings. Andrew Kaplan suffered the loss for the Coyotes after a challenging ninth inning where SLCC took the lead.
This match was not just a test of pitching prowess but also highlighted the resilience of the Bruins' batting lineup, managing to overcome CSN's early lead despite accruing fewer hits. Both teams showcased strong defensive plays, but it was the timely hits and taking advantage of errors that defined the game's outcome.
The series continues with both teams looking to capitalize on this high-intensity start. CSN will be eager to even the score and demonstrate why they hold one of the top records in the league, while SLCC aims to build on their momentum.
