(#15) Phoenix Bears Defeat (RV) Thunderbirds In Extras

Friday, February 18, 2022 - 7:06 pm | Derek Diesner

Mesa, AZ - Friday's matinee between the Phoenix Bears and the Mesa Thunderbirds was a back-and-forth battle all afternoon long. But as the sun began to set and darkness crept across the field at MCC, the Bears got a two-out single to push Phoenix past the T-Birds 3-2 in 11-innings.

With the loss, the Thunderbirds; who are currently receiving votes in the latest NJCAA DII Baseball National Poll, fall to 10-2 overall and 3-2 in ACCAC action. With the victory, the 15th ranked Phoenix College Bears remain unbeaten at 11-0 overall and 3-0 in ACCAC play.

Friday's game was a pitcher's duel throughout. The Bears scored first in the top of the third inning, to claim an early 1-0 lead. Mesa would then respond in the bottom of the fourth inning to even the game at 1-1 on a Dean Bittner single, which scored Cade Malone.

Following another Bears' run in the top of the fifth inning, Mesa would even the score at 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh. Dean Bittner led the inning off with a triple to the right-center gap. Two batters later, catcher Marshall Williams would drive Bittner in on a sac-fly to deep centerfield.

Mesa had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the ninth with runners at first and second base, but Kaleb Herbert struck out swinging to retire the side.

Following a scoreless tenth inning, the Bears strung together a huge two-out rally. Back-to-back singles to the outfield would bring in the eventual game-winning run.

In the loss, the 7-8 hitters for the T-Birds of Lucas Danielewicz and Dean Bittner combined to go 5-for-10 at the plate with a walk, a run, and an RBI.

Thunderbird pitching was phenomenal on Friday. Starter Mike Marshall went five innings and allowed two runs on three hits with five strikeouts and three walks. Mitchell Torres came in on relief of Marshall and fired four shutout innings with two strikeouts. Jonathan Weiss took the loss, finishing the final two innings while allowing one run on two hits.

The Thunderbirds and Bears will meet again on Saturday afternoon, this time at Phoenix College. First pitch is scheduled for 12 Noon.

Don't forget to check out the MCC Team Shop, as well as our Booster Club.