MESA, Ariz. - The Arizona Western Matadors Baseball team (10-1) continued their dominant start to the season with a 14-5 victory over Benedictine University (Mesa) JV on Wednesday afternoon in Mesa, Ariz. The Matadors' offense erupted for 13 hits and 14 runs, highlighted by a massive seven-run third inning to pull away early.

Arizona Western struck first with single runs in the opening two frames before breaking the game open in the third. The Matadors sent a surge of batters to the plate, piling on seven runs to turn a close contest into a 9-0 lead. Gerardo Castro led the charge, reaching base in all four plate appearances, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs, two runs scored and a stolen base.

The offensive onslaught continued in the fifth inning as Arizona Western tacked on four more runs, stretching the advantage to 13-0. Elias Huber played a key role in the middle of the order, collecting three hits including a double, driving in a run and scoring once. The Matadors racked up nine walks and six hit-by-pitches, showcasing patience and toughness at the plate.

On the mound, Filippo Baldassarri set the tone with four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out two to earn the win. The bullpen kept the pressure on, Anthomy Lucero came in to pitch the fifth inning an struck out the side. Lucero is credeted with the win in the contest. Jared Burgueno tossed 3 1/3 strong frames, fanned five batters and gave up only one run in relief.

Parker Husu sparked the lineup from the leadoff spot, scoring three times, drawing two walks and adding a stolen base. Brayden Hibler contributed two RBIs, and the Matadors' aggressive baserunning led to three stolen bases on the day.

Up Next

Arizona Western returns home Saturday, Feb. 14, for a doubleheader against Ottawa University (AZ) JV beginning at noon at Walt Kammann Baseball Field. Seth Hartley will be on the call. Game can be seen on the Matador Sports Livestream.

https://portal.stretchinternet.com/awcmatadors