Aztecs Baseball rallies in Game 1 to topple Paradise Valley CC in Region I Semifinals

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(Paradise Valley, AZ)  The Pima Community College baseball team (46-11) opened the 2025 postseason on Thursday hosting Paradise Valley Community College (35-19) in a best-of-3 series.

The No. 2 seeded Aztecs rallied to beat the No. 3 seeded Pumas 9-5 in Game 1 of the Region I, Division II Semifinals.

W – Valenzuela (4-1). 2B: Barta, Plasschaert. HR: Glueck.

Down 5-2 heading into the bottom of the 6^th inning, sophomore Collin Senior (Horizon HS) reached base on an error and freshman Sean Barta drew a walk to put two runners on base with one out. Freshman Zach Plasschart hit a double down the right field line to score them both. With two outs, freshman Ramon Martinez drew a walk. Freshman Leon Cereceres tied the game at 5-5 with an RBI single to center field bringing in Plasschaert.

The Aztecs built off their momentum in the 7^th inning as freshman Jackson Glueck hit the first pitch he saw over the right field fence for a two-run homer. He scored sophomore Nolan Ganter, who hit a lead-off single. The Aztecs took their first lead of the game at 7-5.

The Aztecs tacked on two more insurance runs in the 8^th inning. They loaded the bases with no outs as sophomore Caden Richards scored freshman Ernie Alvarez (Canyon del Oro HS) after he hit a double play grounder. Martinez scored on a passed ball.

The Pumas scored one run in each of the first three innings. The Aztecs cut into the deficit in the 4^th inning with RBI hits from Senior and Barta to make it 3-2.

Glueck finished the game 2 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs scored while Plasschaert closed out the game going 2 for 3 with two RBIs and a run. Ganter went 2 for 5 with two runs scored and Cereceres was 2 for 4 with an RBI. Senior and Barta each had an RBI and a run while Alvarez finished 2 for 3 with a run.

Freshman Sal Valenzuela (Nogales HS) picked up the win in a relief appearance as he pitched three innings, giving up one hit with three strikeouts and two walks on 55 pitches. Sophomore Nate Gray (Queen Creek HS) got the start as he pitched six innings, giving up five runs (three earned) on eight hits with two strikeouts and two walks on 88 pitches.

The Aztecs and the Pumas lock up again for Game 2 on Friday. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.

Press Release courtesy of Pima Aztec Athletics – Raymond Suarez