Cochise fights back to take series over Central Arizona
Douglas, Ariz. --- The Apaches jumped back into conference play with a three-game series starting Friday afternoon against Central Arizona College Vaqueros. Cochise was fresh off a two-game sweep of Park University-Gilbert (JV), while Central came into the series following a victory over Paradise Valley Community College.
Friday, February 28th (Game 1, 5 innings): Cochise 2, Central Arizona 12
The Apaches jumped right ahead in the 1st inning of play as T.J. Shaw doubled and was able to score during a Tyson Owens stolen base attempt. Cochise now found themselves trailing in the bottom of the 3rd inning, when Sawyer Fech drove in Owens to make it a 4-2 game. That was the closest Cochise would get for the rest of the day, as Central responded with an 8-run 5th inning, that eventually forced the 10-run mercy rule. Daniel Martins was the only pitcher who was able to work a scoreless inning on the day. Shaw and Kenneth Rhein each had 2 hits.
Saturday, March 1st (Game 2, 7 innings): Cochise 2, Central Arizona 1
Cochise once again got scoring started in the 1st after a series of walks and an Andrugh Yee sacrifice fly put the Apaches up 1. Central was able to tie things up in the top half of the second, before Kenneth Rhein was able to reach on an error and score on a Francisco Laya single to regain the lead. That was all the offense needed, as Mathis Nayral turned over a stellar start, going 5 2/3 innings, allowing 1 unearned run, and striking out 10 Vaqueros. Daniel Gomez closed out the final 1 1/3 innings, striking out 3.
Saturday, March 1st (Game 2, 9 innings): Cochise 3, Central Arizona 2
Central was able to gain the early advantage in the series finale, while chasing Cochise starter Ramses Guerra in the 1st inning. The Apaches found themselves down 2-0 in the bottom of the 6th inning before they turned things around. Alex Dabrowski led the inning off with a single, before finding his way home, and putting the home team on the board. Sawyer Fech then brought in T.J Shaw with an RBI single to even the score. Andrugh Yee followed with a sacrifice fly to plate Tyson Owens and thus giving Cochise a 3-2 lead late. Collin Smith was brilliant on in relief for the Apaches, going 8 1/3 innings, allowing one unearned run, and striking out 11 batters. Shaw led the team with 2 hits.
Up Next...
Cochise Baseball (18-7, 9-6) will continue their homestand as they prepare for a doubleheader against Scottsdale Post Grad on March 4th at 12:00 P.M. at Bo Hall Field in Douglas, Arizona.
(Submitted by: Jacob Saavedra, Cochise College Sports Information Assistant)