RBI D-Backs start strong in Florida

Yuma County stars shine at Nike World Series while team is 2-0 in pool play

VERO BEACH, Fla. (KYMA, KECY) - A group of Arizona's top baseball players including five standouts from Yuma County, are making noise this week at the 2025 Nike RBI World Series, and they're doing it in style.

Representing the Arizona Diamondbacks' RBI program, the team has started 2-0 in pool play at the national tournament held in Vero Beach with wins over RBI teams from Detroit and New Jersey.

The D-Backs opened the series with a narrow 8-7 win over the Detroit Tigers RBI squad, then followed it up with a dominant performance Tuesday morning, shutting out RBI Paterson (NJ) in a six-inning game shortened by time limit.

A big reason for that second win? San Luis pitcher Juan Chavez, who delivered a gem on the mound, throwing 5 2/3 innings of one-hit baseball with nine strikeouts.

"Juan Chavez, man, can't say enough about that kid," said assistant coach James Kuzniak. "He was lights out on the mound...just like he is in Yuma County. It's fun to be on the same side as him."

Chavez ran into trouble in the second inning after a walk and a single loaded the bases, but his catcher Cesar Chavira also from San Luis came up clutch with a game-changing backpick from his knees to erase a baserunner at third and end the threat.

"That was a huge play," Kuzniak added. "And it's something Cesar's done time and time again in high school."

Chavira also contributed at the plate, going 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.

Other standouts from Yuma County included Carlos Reina, who went 2-for-3 with a double and a single. Eli Lujan played solid defense at third base and helped load the bases with a walk that sparked the team’s first run.

Carlos Gonzalez, who drew two walks and reached base in both of his plate appearances.

The Arizona squad has had little time to rest. After traveling overnight from Phoenix and arriving in Florida early Monday morning, the team had to quickly adjust to the cross-country schedule and national spotlight.

"It's kind of like when guys play in the Super Bowl or the World Series," Kuzniak said. "The game stays the same, but there's all those extra duties. Now that we've gotten used to it, we're better prepared to capitalize."

The D-Backs will face Puerto Rico Wednesday in their final pool play matchup, with a chance to clinch a spot in the next round.

The tournament continues through the week, with playoff brackets beginning soon.