No. 20 Apaches Sweep Yavapai Doubleheader, Clinch No. 2 Seed in Region 1 Playoffs
DOUGLAS, Ariz. — The No. 20 Cochise College Apaches closed out their final home doubleheader of the regular season in dramatic and dominant fashion Friday, sweeping Yavapai College at Bo Hall Field to improve to 42–13 overall (19–10 ACCAC).
With the sweep, Cochise has officially clinched the No. 2 seed in the NJCAA Region 1 Playoffs, set to take place next week in Henderson, Nevada, hosted by Southern Nevada.
Game One: Cochise 7, Yavapai 6
The Apaches opened the day with a gritty 7–6 comeback victory, rallying late to edge Yavapai in a tightly contested game .
After falling behind early, Cochise answered with a three-run second inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from Shiryu Sato, to take control.
Yavapai responded with a four-run fourth to regain the lead, but Cochise stayed within striking distance before delivering the decisive push late. The Apaches plated two runs in the seventh inning to secure the win.
Shiryu Sato led the offense with three RBIs, while TJ Shaw Jr. added two RBIs. George McCarroll and Jorge Cardenas also contributed RBI hits.
Despite being limited to just five hits, Cochise drew nine walks, creating opportunities throughout the game.
On the mound, Noah Miller earned the win in relief, striking out five over three innings while allowing just one run. Collin Smith started and struck out eight over four innings.
Game Two: Cochise 9, Yavapai 1
Cochise completed the sweep with a commanding 9–1 victory, using an explosive start and strong pitching to take control early .
The Apaches erupted for six runs in the first inning, immediately setting the tone. They added insurance runs throughout, finishing with nine runs on 11 hits.
Andrugh Yee had a standout performance, going 3-for-3 with three extra-base hits and an RBI. Gavin Mesa added three hits, while Anthony Montez drove in three RBIs.
Shiryu Sato contributed two hits and scored twice, and TJ Shaw Jr. added three RBIs as Cochise's offense continued to produce top to bottom.
On the mound, Austin Cushman earned the win, allowing just one unearned run over four innings while striking out four. The bullpen combination of Ben Smith, Max Pitts, and Ben Couvreur shut the door, holding Yavapai to just four hits.
Playoff Position Secured
With the sweep, Cochise not only improved its record but locked in the No. 2 seed in the NJCAA Region 1 Playoffs, a significant accomplishment heading into postseason play.
Up Next
Cochise will close out the regular season at home:
- Saturday, May 2
- 12:00 PM
- Bo Hall Field – Douglas, AZ
- Yavapai College