(#15) Phoenix Bears Top (RV) Thunderbirds 8-6

Saturday, February 19, 2022 - 10:10 pm | Derek Diesner

Phoenix, AZ - For the second straight day the 15th ranked Phoenix College Bears topped the Mesa Thunderbirds; this time by a final of 8-6 at Phoenix College.

With the loss, the Thunderbirds; who are currently receiving votes in the latest NJCAA DII Baseball National Poll, drop to 10-3 overall and 3-3 in ACCAC action. With the victory, the 15th ranked Phoenix College Bears remain unbeaten at 12-0 overall and 4-0 in ACCAC play.

The Bears offense got off to a quick start on Saturday and never looked back. Phoenix plated a run in the first, second, and third innings. The Bears then added two more runs in the fourth inning to claim a 5-0 lead over Mesa heading into the top of the fifth inning. 

The Thunderbirds' offense came to life in the sixth and seventh innings, as MCC struck for a pair of runs in the sixth, and then added four more in the seventh inning to claim their first lead of the day at 6-5.

Phoenix College slammed the door on the T-Birds' comeback in the bottom of the eighth inning, striking for three runs to seal the 8-6 victory.

In the loss, Dean Bittner and Dawson Baracani were the lone players to finish with multiple hits.

On the mound, Seth McGrath got the start and lasted only three innings, while allowing five runs; four earned on eight hits. McGrath received a no-decision. Taking the loss was reliever Brendan Thome. He tossed 3.1 innings in relief of McGrath and allowed two runs on one hit with four strikeouts and five walks.

The Thunderbirds return to the diamond this Tuesday when they host Arizona Christian University's JV team. First pitch from Mesa is scheduled for 3 pm.

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