Barta’s Game-Winning RBI Single Propels Pima Baseball to Region I, Division II Finals

The Pima Community College baseball team, ranked 47-11, clinched a spot in the Region I, Division II finals on Friday by sweeping Paradise Valley Community College, boasting a record of 35-20, in their semifinal series.

The second-seeded Aztecs triumphed over the third-seeded Pumas with a final score of 4-3, thanks to a dramatic walk-off hit from freshman Sean Barta, who brought in sophomore Caden Richards. Earlier in the series, the Aztecs secured a 9-5 victory on Thursday.

Barta described his winning moment: “He threw me a curveball. I saw it well, especially earlier in the at-bat. I stayed with my approach and got it done.” His determination echoed the team’s competitive spirit. “We wanted to be here and win more.”

The Aztecs have shown consistent form, winning 17 of their last 19 games. Barta further emphasized their mindset, stating, “Coach (Ken) Jacome talks about Game Seven. Approaching each game this way is crucial for us. It fosters a winning mentality.”

The scoring began for Pima in the 4th inning, initiated by sophomore Nolan Ganter’s hit. Shortly after, sophomore Collin Senior smacked a hit to center field, scoring Ganter and putting the Aztecs ahead. However, the Pumas tied the game in the sixth inning, only for the Aztecs to bounce back. Consecutive singles by Senior and Barta, followed by a walk from freshman Zach Plasschaert, loaded the bases. Freshman Ernie Alvarez drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, restoring Pima’s lead.

The Pumas took control momentarily in the seventh inning with a two-run double, pushing ahead 3-2. Yet, the Aztecs responded when freshman Leon Cereceres launched a lead-off home run, tying the game 3-3.

Cereceres shared his thoughts on the homer: “I got ahead 2-0, was looking for my pitch, and when I got it, I hit it hard.”

In the pivotal ninth inning, Richards reached base due to an error, followed by Ganter’s single. After a groundout from freshman Jackson Glueck, Barta stepped up and delivered the game-winning hit.

Statistically, Barta ended the game with two hits and an RBI. Cereceres contributed with two hits, an RBI, and a run. Senior also recorded two hits along with an RBI and a run. Both Richards and Ganter had two hits each, scoring one run.

Sophomore Tsubasa Tomii earned the win, pitching the ninth inning and recording three outs on just seven pitches. Freshman Luis Pablo Navarro started the game, throwing six innings, yielding one earned run on five hits, complemented by five strikeouts.

The final scores were PVCC 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 = 3, and PCC 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 = 4. The upcoming finals will see the Aztecs face the victor of the series between No. 1 seed South Mountain Community College and No. 4 seed Chandler-Gilbert Community College, currently tied at 1-1, with the decisive game set for Saturday in Phoenix.