HENDERSON, Nev. - The Arizona Western Matadors Baseball team (39-13) outlasted Cochise College (43-14) in a 13-inning, 5-4 victory on Thursday afternoon at Morse Stadium, securing a major Region I playoff win after three hours and 25 minutes of high-stakes baseball.

The Matadors struck early, jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning before Cochise College answered with a three-run fourth to take the advantage. Despite a tough stretch at the plate against dominant Apaches pitching, Arizona Western kept the game within reach and set up a dramatic finish.

Luis Angulo led the charge for Arizona Western, collecting four of the team's six hits—including a double—and driving in a run. The Matadors capitalized on opportunities, drawing seven walks, getting hit by two pitches, and stealing three bases to manufacture offense. Jamie Beerman, Parker Husu, Trace Garrison and Dan Kawanishi all contributed on the bases, while patient at-bats kept pressure on Cochise throughout the game.

Facing a 3-1 deficit after four innings, the Matadors chipped away. Parker Husu and Trace Garrison ignited the offense with key walks and baserunning in the seventh to cut the lead to one, then Arizona Western pushed across the tying run in the ninth as Trace Garrison stole home with two outs, forcing extra innings against a Cochise staff that racked up 19 strikeouts.

Starting pitcher Diego Alcala was sensational, giving the Matadors eight strong innings with just two hits allowed, nine strikeouts and no walks. Filippo Baldassarri delivered three shutout innings of relief in extras, and Thijs Helms closed out the final two frames, earning his sixth win of the season by stranding the tying run in the bottom of the 13th.

Arizona Western finally broke through with two runs in the top of the 13th, then held off a late push from Cochise College to claim a thrilling win. The teams combined for 33 strikeouts and just 11 hits, making this one of the season's most epic pitcher's duels and a statement conference victory for the Matadors.

Up Next

The Matadors continue postseason play Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Morse Stadium facing No. 4 Central Arizona. Arizona Western will be the home team. No. 2 Cochise College will face No. 1 seed CSN in the first elimination game.