(Tempe, AZ) Tombstone (20-7-1) came in trying to get back to back titles for Cochise County schools following Bisbee in 2024,
It’s been a minute since the Yellowjackets won a state title. Their last championship was back in 1994. Prior to that ironically, Tombstone won it all in 1977 against Phoenix Christian the team they faced today.
These two teams met back on April 5th with Tombstone crushing the Cougars 15-5.
Phoenix Christian (24-4) played in the Title Game last year losing to Bisbee 7-2. Back again for another crack at the championship after disposing of Veritas Prep 10-2 yesterday at Goodyear Ballpark.
First Inning
Phoenix Christian loaded the bases off two walks and an error on the shortstop. Third Baseman Nate Burton hit a bloop single to shallow left center field to drive in the game’s first run. Ronnie Viscum followed with an RBI single to right field. Zach Brigowatz hit into a fielder’s choice but drove in another run. Cougars left the bases loaded.
The Yellowjacket got their leadoff batter on on throwing error by the third baseman. A hit and run saw DJ Elias single to center field and both runners took the extra base. Pitcher Brandon Caballero helped himself with a single to left field to score 2 runs. Kelly Bliss hoist a sinking line drive that was dropped to score another run and tie the game.
Phoenix Christian 3 Tombstone 3
Second Inning
Kevin Palafox doubled to the left center gap. Nate Burton was hit by a pitch, but both runners were left stranded.
Kohen Spannagel struck out the side with a two out single in between
Third Inning
Brigowatz singled to center and advanced on an errant throw on a pickoff attempt. Gutierrez was hit by a pitch. A second batter was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Tombstone changed pitchers with one out to Vladimir Velasquez. Sierra hit a grounder but the shortstop misplayed it and a run scored. Sierra’s wild pitch scored a run.
Back to back singles put runners on second and third bases advancing on the throw. An intentional walk to Caballero loaded the bases. Bliss had a seeing eye single up the middle tp score 2 runs to tie it back up.
Phoenix Christian 5 Tombstone 5
Fourth Inning
Tombstone relief pitcher Vlad Velasquez left with no out due to an undisclosed injury, shortstop Bliss replaced him. Bliss balked moving Burton to second base. Viscum RBI single to center field. The Cougars loaded the bases with 1 out. Sierra walked to force in a run.
Three consecutive singles loaded the bases with no outs. Caballero who switched to third base hit a sacrifice fly to left to score a run, but thats all the Yellowjackets could muster.
Phoenix Christian 7 Tombstone 6
Fifth Inning
The Cougars got a man onboard via an error but he was left on base.
Jude House switched from right field to pitcher in the bottom of the fifth inning.
With one out, the Yellowjackets got back to back singles but a line drive turned into an inning ending double play to end the threat.
Sixth Inning
Phoenix Christian went down in order.
Tombstone also went down in order.
Seventh Inning
Sierra led off with a single to left field. Shores sacrificed Sierra to second but that’s all they got.
Tombstone’s last chance saw Caballero leg out an infield single to lead off. Bliss hit a ball back to the mound and House got the lead runner at second base. Moody singled to right field but Caballero was gunned down at third base. Nugen-Dorsey struck out to end the game.
Final Phoenix Christian 7 Tombstone 6
Wrap Up
Both teams showed off their offenses, but it was the pitching that ultimately won the game for the Cougars.
Using two pitchers last night, the Yellowjackets came in a little thin at that position. Today they had to use four pitchers due to ineffectiveness and an arm injury to Caballero.
Neither team had more than a two run lead and there were two ties early. They combined for 6 errors, three apiece but there were also some very solid fielding plays as well.
In the end, Tombstone gave themselves an opportunity to tie or win in the bottom of the 7th inning, but the pitching of the Cougars shut the door and won their first championship since 2018.
Click on Logo
