Connor Denning went 2-4 Tuesday afternoon in #3 Mesa's victory over Chandler-Gilbert. (Photo by Aaron Webster)
Connor Denning went 2-4 Tuesday afternoon in #3 Mesa's victory over Chandler-Gilbert. (Photo by Aaron Webster)

Mesa Moves to #3 in Latest NJCAA Polls; Defeat Chandler-Gilbert, 5-3

Mesa, AZ - In the first NJCAA rankings during the season, the Mesa Thunderbirds jumped from the #15 spot to the #3 position, sporting a 22-3 overall record.  On the same day of the latest polls, the T-Birds defeated the Chandler-Gilbert Coyotes, 5-3.

Down 3-0 in the fourth inning, Mesa put a three spot on the board to tie it at three. Marcus Skundrich knocked in two of Mesa's runs while going 1-4 on the day.  

Jimmy Boyce started on the hill for Mesa, going five innings, allowing six hits, three runs (0 ER) while striking out three.  Coming in relief for one inning was Max Williams, who ended up as the winning pitcher, as he pitched the sixth inning, not allowing any hits and striking out one.  Carter Robinson finished off the seventh, eighth and ninth innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four.

Mesa moves to 23-3 on the season and 12-3 in the ACCAC.  Mesa and Chandler-Gilbert will play again tomorrow at Chandler-Gilbert, first pitch at 3 pm.