Richards & MacDonald Propel Pima Baseball to Commanding Run-Rule Victory Over Glendale

The Pima Community College baseball team demonstrated resilience on Tuesday, rallying from an early deficit to clinch a 15-6 victory against Glendale Community College in an ACCAC conference matchup. This triumph marked their 13th win in the last 15 games.

Initially, the Gauchos surged ahead, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning. However, the Aztecs quickly leveled the playing field in the second inning. Sophomore Collin Senior and freshman Zach Plasschaert ignited the offense with consecutive singles. Freshman Matt MacDonald contributed with an RBI double, narrowing the gap, followed by Plasschaert’s score on a wild pitch. Two errors allowed the Aztecs to tie the game at 4-4, with Andrew Grenert scoring twice.

The pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when Caden Richards hit a two-run RBI single, securing the lead for Pima. Grenert’s single and a hit by pitch for Ray Jesse set the stage for the decisive swing.

In a dominant sixth inning, the Aztecs exploded for six runs. Richards, sophomore Nolan Ganter, and freshman Jackson Glueck all delivered RBI singles, extending the lead to 9-4. Plasschaert’s sacrifice fly and MacDonald’s third RBI hit capped a robust inning, leading 12-4 as the game progressed.

Freshman Max Leyva added further insurance in the seventh, hitting a two-run RBI double. Grenert’s single allowed Leyva to score, contributing to a final three-run inning for the Aztecs.

Richards had a standout performance, going 2 for 4 with three RBIs and two runs. MacDonald also shone with a 3 for 5 outing, adding two RBIs and two runs. Glueck and Leyva supported the offense well, while Leon Cereceres recorded three hits and a run.

Sophomore Nate Gray earned the win, pitching five and two-thirds innings and allowing five runs, two of which were earned. He recorded seven strikeouts and one walk, throwing 108 pitches throughout the game.

The game’s statistics concluded with Pima scoring 15 runs on 17 hits, while Glendale managed 6 runs on 8 hits. The Aztecs will return to their home field at West Campus Aztec Field on Friday, facing No. 3 ranked South Mountain Community College in their last regular season home game, set to begin at noon.