Pima Baseball Rallies with Stellar 3-Run Homers from Richards & Jones Against GateWay

The Pima Community College baseball team achieved a milestone on Wednesday, clinching their third consecutive season with 40 wins. They secured a 16-9 victory against GateWay Community College at the West Campus Aztec Field, improving their record to 40-11 overall and 24-11 in the ACCAC.

Ranked No. 9 in the nation, the Aztecs established an early lead, going up 7-0 by the end of the second inning. Freshmen Max Leyva and Ramon Martinez delivered back-to-back RBI singles, followed by Leon Cereceres’ RBI double, creating a solid foundation for the team’s offensive surge. Sophomore Caden Richards capped the inning with a three-run homer, solidifying their dominance.

The Geckos managed to answer in the third inning, scoring three runs. However, Pima quickly extended their lead when freshman Ernie Alvarez hit an RBI single, bringing home Zach Plasschaert. A passed ball allowed Alvarez to score, pushing the Aztecs ahead 9-3.

A renewed effort from GateWay in the fifth inning saw them close the gap to 9-8. Yet, the Aztecs responded decisively, adding six more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Leyva walked to start the inning and scored on a fielder’s choice. Freshman Jackson Glueck contributed with a two-run single, while Mike Jones hit a three-run homer, bringing the score to 15-8.

Pima added an additional run in the sixth inning with Cereceres’ RBI single, driving in Leyva. The final statistics showed Richards recording five RBIs and two runs, while Jones contributed three RBIs. Cereceres excelled with three hits and two RBIs, and Leyva had an impressive outing with two hits, three runs, and two walks.

Sophomore Taylin Oana earned the win in relief, pitching two innings and allowing five runs. Freshman Cam Grenert also impressed, achieving his first save of the season with three innings pitched, eight strikeouts, and two walks.

The final score reflected Pima’s dominance: GWCC scored 9 runs on 11 hits, while PCC achieved 16 runs on 14 hits. Looking ahead, the Aztecs are set to host Scottsdale Community College on Friday at noon, as they continue their conference campaign at the West Campus Aztec Field.