Thunderbirds Hold Off Cougars 8-7

Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 8:11 pm | Derek Diesner

Phoenix, AZ - Following a home loss on Tuesday to South Mountain, the Thunderbirds rebounded Wednesday for the 8-7 road victory against the Cougars.

With the victory, Mesa improves to 17-14 overall and 7-11 in ACCAC action. With the loss, South Mountain drops to 17-17 overall and 7-11 in ACCAC play.

Wednesday's contest between the T-Birds and Cougars went back-and-forth all afternoon. Mesa got on the board first with a run in the top of the second inning, before South Mountain reclaimed the lead with two runs in the bottom half of the inning.

The T-Birds offense came on strong in the next two innings, striking for three runs in each inning to take a commanding 7-2 lead. But then the Cougars clawed their way back into the game. South Mountain plated a run in the bottom of the fourth inning, along with a massive four-run fifth inning to even the game at 7-7.

With the score even heading to the top of the seventh inning, the Mesa Thunderbirds struck for another run to break the 7-7 tie. The T-Birds would hold on from there for the 8-7 road victory.

In the win, Connor Culp, Dawson Baracani, and Dean Bittner all finished with two hits apiece.

On the mound, Mike Marshall got the start but only lasted four innings, while allowing five runs; four earned on five hits. Erik Dulittle (3-1) came in on relief of Marshall and finished the game off, tossing five innings while allowing two runs; both earned on five hits with two strikeouts and a walk.

The Thunderbirds have a quick turnaround as they step out of ACCAC play to host Grand Canyon University's Club Team on Thursday afternoon. The first pitch at Mesa is scheduled for 3 pm.

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