Barta & Gray Ignite Pima Baseball Rally in Thrilling Split at Phoenix College

The Pima Community College baseball team (16-4, 6-4 in ACCAC) faced off against Phoenix College (5-10, 3-5) on Saturday in a doubleheader that showcased both competition and resilience.

Ranked No. 23, the Aztecs lost the first game but made a strong comeback to secure victory in the second. Freshman Sean Barta contributed significantly, ending the day with two hits, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Sophomore Nate Gray, from Queen Creek High School, showcased his skills in a long relief stint, earning the win in the second game.

In Game 1, the Phoenix College Bears triumphed over the Aztecs with a score of 3-2. Pima initially took the lead, but a passed ball in the seventh inning allowed the Bears to clinch the win. Sophomore Caden Richards opened the scoring with an RBI single, driving in Barta and Ray Jesse.

Despite a promising start, the Aztecs were limited to just four hits throughout the game. Richards stood out, going 2 for 3 with two RBIs and a walk. Barta contributed a hit, while Jesse scored a run.

Sophomore Tsubasa Tomii, who pitched one inning, suffered the loss despite not allowing any earned runs. Meanwhile, sophomore Maclain Roberts started strong, pitching over three innings but giving up two earned runs on five hits.

The line score for the first game was as follows:

PCC 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 = 2 (4 hits)
PC 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 = 3 (7 hits)

Game 2 saw the Aztecs rally from an early 3-0 deficit, ultimately winning 6-4. A pivotal fourth inning turned the tide for Pima, sparked by Nolan Ganter’s reach on an error. Barta’s two-run home run quickly bridged the gap, while freshman Mike Jones followed up with a two-run single that put the Aztecs ahead 5-3.

Jones concluded the game with a stellar 3 for 4 performance, totaling three RBIs. Barta, despite only managing one hit, had an impactful two RBIs. Freshman Ramon Martinez, going 2 for 3, scored twice, and Leon Cereceres added another insurance run with his own RBI single.

Sophomore Nate Gray’s pitching efforts were also noteworthy. Over five innings, he allowed one earned run on seven hits while striking out four. Freshman Sal Valenzuela, who started the game, faced challenges and permitted three earned runs in four innings.

The line score for the second game was:

PCC 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 1 0 = 6 (12 hits)
PC 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 = 4 (9 hits)

Looking ahead, the Aztecs will hit the road again on Tuesday for another ACCAC doubleheader against Glendale Community College, with the first game scheduled to start at noon.