Game 1 – April 4: Walk-Off Magic Lifts Southwest in Opener
In a thrilling start to Friday's doubleheader at Santa Ana Star Field, Southwest came from behind to steal a 5-4 win over Benedictine Mesa (AZ) thanks to a walk-off rally in the bottom of the seventh. Down 4-2 entering the final frame, the Mustangs strung together a series of clutch hits and capitalized on shaky pitching to plate three runs and snatch the win.
H. Woods delivered a key RBI single and later came around to score the game-winner, while M. Gonzales' patient plate approach helped fuel the comeback. B. Ledezma stayed hot at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs. On the mound, M. Olivas delivered a gritty start before the bullpen held firm to keep the Mustangs within striking distance.
Game 2 – April 4: Southwest Sweeps Twin Bill with Late Surge
The Mustangs carried their momentum into the afternoon contest, using timely hitting and solid pitching to notch a 6-3 win and secure the doubleheader sweep. Southwest broke a 3-3 tie in the seventh, scoring twice to pull away from Benedictine Mesa.
Woods homered in the fifth, part of a 2-for-4 effort with two RBIs, while Ledezma stayed locked in at the plate with a 4-hit day, including two doubles. D. Amaya added a pair of hits and an RBI, and the defense supported the pitching staff with multiple double plays and error-free fielding in critical spots.
J. Martin picked up the win with five innings of work, while the bullpen—led by A. Morrison and T. Burrola—shut the door in the late innings.
Game 3 – April 5: Offensive Explosion Powers Series Finale
Southwest closed out the weekend with an offensive statement, erupting for 17 runs on 16 hits in a dominant 17-6 win over Benedictine Mesa. The Mustangs set the tone early with a six-run first inning and never looked back, scoring in five of the first seven innings.
Eight different players recorded at least one hit, led by T. Sedillo (3-for-4, 2 RBIs), M. Gonzales (2-for-4, 2 RBIs, triple), and S. Garcia (1-for-2, 3 RBIs). The team showcased patience at the plate with nine walks, two hit-by-pitches, and multiple productive outs.
C. Rush and T. Ruiz combined to limit the Redhawks to six runs over seven innings, despite early trouble, and the defense bounced back with a clean effort after a rocky middle frame.
From the Coach
"I thought our kids came out to play good solid baseball this weekend despite the weather," said head coach. "We executed some small ball that led in to productive innings, played solid defense, and threw strikes. It was also good to see some hometown guys have some special moments in front of their families. That is what this trip was about.
We need to continue to keep playing good baseball and we need to get ready for a big conference weekend at our place this upcoming weekend. We are entering the last three weeks of the season and our guys need some big weekends to make a push towards the top of the conference. I'm excited to continue watching these guys compete."
