The Scottsdale baseball team salvaged a split with Mesa this afternoon at SCC.

Scottsdale is now 20-13 overall and 10-11 in the conference. The two teams have now split their first four meetings and will play the season-series deciding game when they meet for one final time on April 16 at SCC.

Tuesday's game at Mesa that was halted by darkness after 10 innings was moved to SCC today for completion. The Thunderbirds made quick work of it, scoring a run in the bottom of the 11th to win 9-8. Dale Fry took the loss in relief. Jaron Nevarez was 3-for-5 with three runs scored. Braedan Reichert had two hits and three RBI. The Artichokes held an 8-5 lead going into the eighth, but Mesa scored one in the bottom of the inning and two more in the ninth to send the game into extra innings.

Scottsdale would rebound to win the regularly scheduled game 10-7. Mesa scored two quick runs in the top of the first, but SCC plated five in the bottom of the frame. The Artichokes would build a 10-4 lead before seeing the Thunderbirds chip away. Mesa trailed 10-7 and had the tying runs on base in the eighth, but reliever Luke Patterson closed the door. Patterson threw 4.0 innings in relief to get the save. Braden Burness started and went 5.0 innings for the win. Hank Smith had three hits and Markus Hamre had two to pace the SCC 10-hit attack.

Scottsdale is back to work tomorrow, Thursday, March 20 when they host Glendale at 3 p.m.

Also, SCC's Phoenix West was named the ACCAC Division II Position Player of the Week for week 8. West went 9-for-19 over five games. 

All SCC regular season home games for 2024-25 are free of charge. However, any donation is welcome and will help the department navigate our current financial landscape. Donations can be made by visiting this link https://scc-maricopa.nbsstore.net/athletic-donations-2. The Artichokes Athletics Department thanks you in advance.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Henderson