Estrella's game-winning RBI single propels Aztecs baseball
The Pima Community College baseball team (18-13) got a boost on offense in the 9th inning on Friday in its single game against Madison Area Technical College.
Ivan Estrella (Tucson Magnet HS) hit an RBI single to right field that scored David Oropeza (Nogales HS) to give Pima the 3-2 win at the West Campus. Oropeza led off the 9th with an infield single and advanced on wild pitches to second and third base. Madison was ranked No. 3 in the NJCAA Division II National polls last week.
Down 1-0 in the 1st inning, the Aztecs tied it when Marcus Catalano (Salpointe Catholic HS) hit a fielder's choice that scored Estrella. Madison scored a run in the 4th but the Aztecs tied it again in the 6th inning when Al Cruz (Nogales HS) hit an RBI double to score Catalano from first base.
Estrella finished the game 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored. Catalano went 1 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Oropeza was 1 for 1 with a run scored and Cruz finished 1 for 2 with an RBI.
The Aztecs used six pitchers in the game. Trevor Johnson (1-0) picked up the win as he struck out the side in the 9th inning. Mike Hast started the game and pitched two innings giving up one run (none earned) on one hit with two strikeouts and one walk. Ryan Norrix (Tucson Magnet HS) pitched two innings giving up one run (one earned) on four hits with one walk. Daniel Tolano (Cholla HS) threw the 5th inning and struck out the side. Zach Busby (Mountain View HS) threw one inning and gave up two hits while Jacob Northrup (Sahuaro HS) pitched two innings with four strikeouts.
The Aztecs get back to ACCAC Conference play on Saturday as they play a doubleheader at South Mountain Community College. The games will be at noon and 2:30 p.m.
