Grand Slam, Big Hits Power #12 Mesa Over #15 PC, 11-6, Earn #1 Spot for Playoffs

Mesa, AZ - It looked like another grind out game between Mesa and Phoenix College until the fifth inning when Kody Funderburk blasted an opposite field grand slam to open the scoring flood gates for the T-Birds as they beat the Bears, 11-6.  With the victory, Mesa has solidified the #1 spot in the ACCAC DII playoffs and home field advantage throughout the tournament.

Mesa started the scoring in the bottom of the third inning, with Jared Crockett knocking in Hunter Bross, who reached by way of the walk.  Crockett on the afternoon was 4-4, with three RBI's, two run's scored and a walk.

The major punch was landed by Funderburk in the fifth.  His second grand slam of the season gave Mesa a 6-1 advantage at that point, but the T-Birds weren't done scoring quite yet.  Mesa would score five runs in the sixth inning as well, collecting four hits and drawing two additional walks.  

Tyler Hilton recorded his fourth win on the season, throwing 5.1 innings, allowing five hits, three walks, two striking outs with only allowing one run.  Twice Hilton was able to pitch out of the inning while stranding a Bear baserunner at third.

Mesa collected 11 hits on the afternoon, six of which went for extra bases.  Funderburk finished the day 2-5, with five RBI's.

The T-Birds will host next week, Thursday, Friday and if necessary, Saturday against the #4 seed, which is yet to be determined.  The final playoff layout will be finalized by Monday.  Continue to check mesatbirdsports.com for updates to the playoff picture.