Alvarez Drives in 4, But Aztec Baseball Falls Short Against Chandler-Gilbert

The Pima Community College baseball team, currently ranked ninth, faced off against Chandler-Gilbert Community College in an intense ACCAC conference matchup at the West Campus Aztec Field. Despite a strong effort, the Aztecs fell short, losing 7-6 in a nail-biting finish.

In the final inning, Pima trailed 7-4 but mounted a late rally. Sophomores Collin Senior and Andrew Grenert drew back-to-back walks, setting the stage for freshman Mike Jones, who was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Freshman Ernie Alvarez then delivered a two-run single to center field, narrowing the Coyotes’ lead. However, freshman Ramon Martinez struck out, ending the game just shy of a comeback.

The game started poorly for the Aztecs, who found themselves down 5-0 after the Coyotes scored in the first inning and added four runs in the second. Pima got on the board in the second with Alvarez’s two-run homer, and an RBI single from sophomore Nolan Ganter pulled them closer at 5-3. Martinez’s subsequent single cut the deficit to just one run before Chandler-Gilbert extended their lead again in the eighth and ninth innings.

Alvarez had a standout performance, finishing the game with two hits, four RBIs, and a run. Martinez contributed two hits and an RBI, while Ganter also recorded two hits and an RBI. Senior went 1 for 3 with two runs and two walks, highlighting the team’s offensive efforts.

Pima’s pitching faced challenges as sophomore Nate Gray took the loss, pitching five innings and allowing five runs (two earned) on just two hits, while also striking out four batters.

The box score reflects the close contest: CGCC 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 = 7 runs, 5 hits, 1 error; PCC 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 = 6 runs, 10 hits, 3 errors.

Alvarez’s home run was a highlight for Pima, while Gray’s record now stands at 6-1 this season. The Aztecs look to rebound when they host GateWay Community College on Wednesday at 3 p.m.