HENDERSON, Nev. (May 3, 2025) — The College of Southern Nevada Coyotes exploded for 12 runs in just four innings and never looked back, defeating Yavapai College 12-2 in a five-inning run-rule victory in Game 3 of the Region 1 Baseball Championship semifinals on Saturday afternoon at Morse Stadium.

With the win, CSN improves to 45-11 on the season and advances to the Region 1 Championship Series, where they will host Central Arizona College in a best-of-three set beginning Thursday.

The Coyotes made sure early that this decisive game wouldn't be in question for long. After surrendering a run in the top of the first, CSN answered immediately with a three-run frame of their own. Chaz McNelis led off with a single, and Harvey Smerdon followed with another base hit before Anthony Marnell IV laced a two-run double down the left field line. Marnell would later score on a groundout to give CSN a 3-1 lead.

Southern Nevada's bats stayed red hot in the second. After a single from Alex Rhynes and another base hit from McNelis, Smerdon delivered the big blow—crushing a three-run homer over the left field fence to stretch the lead to 6-1.

The third inning saw more of the same. Kaden Smaka dropped down a perfect bunt single, and after a single from Jack Wheatley and a fielder's choice, McNelis delivered again—driving in two runs on a misplayed ball in center. Moments later, Smerdon drew a walk and eventually came around to score on a balk, capping a three-run inning that pushed the lead to 9-1.

Yavapai got a solo homer from Brady Francisco in the top of the fourth, but CSN responded once again with a barrage in the home half. Roy Durham ripped a double to left-center and scored on a pinch-hit RBI single from Ashton Zacher. After a hit-by-pitch to Tyler Garritano and another bunt single from Smaka, Wheatley roped a two-run double down the right field line to extend the margin to 12-2.

Tyler Avery was outstanding on the mound for CSN, tossing a complete-game five-inning gem. The right-hander scattered four hits, allowed two earned runs, and struck out one on just 65 pitches to earn the win and improve to 3-2 on the season.

Offensively, the Coyotes pounded out 15 hits with six players collecting multi-hit efforts. McNelis finished 3-for-3 with three runs scored and two RBI, while Smerdon went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. Wheatley also had two hits and drove in two.

CSN's defense was spotless, turning two double plays and committing no errors, while the offense capitalized on two defensive miscues by the Roughriders.

The Region 1 Championship Series begins Thursday at Morse Stadium in Henderson, where the Coyotes will face Central Arizona College. First pitch is TBA. Game two will follow Friday, with an if-necessary game slated for Saturday.

The winner of that series will represent Region 1 in the NJCAA Western District Tournament.