Shamrocks advance to state 3A quarterfinals

Two run first inning propels Yuma Catholic to 9-2 opening round win in state playoffs

YUMA, Ariz. ( KYMA, KECY-TV ) - The Yuma Catholic Shamrocks baseball team finished the regular season 16-3. The impressive season was rewarded with a #3 seed in the state 3A playoffs. On Saturday, the Shamrocks hosted #14 seeded Winslow and the Rocks wasted little time in getting right to work.

Junior Issac Araiza started on the hill and dazzled from the start. Araiza started the game with a strikeout then surrendered a base hit. With a runner on first base, Shamrock catcher Manny Cota set the tone for the rest of the game, by picking the runner off first base for the second out. Araiza then struck out the next batter looking to end the top of the first.

In the home half of the first, Yuma Catholic was ready and backed by an energetic dugout and senior leadership. Senior Jonah Leon led off and wasted little time, cranking out a lead off double to right center field. Leon was followed by Senior Alan Rosas who stroked a double to left, scoring Leon and putting Yuma Catholic on the board first. Junior pitcher Isaac Araiza would ground out to second, advancing Rosas to third. Junior Roberto Romero then launched a deep drive to left center, scoring Rosas from third en route to a triple for Romero and a 2-0 for Yuma Catholic.

The Shamrocks rolled at home, tying down the Winslow Bulldogs 9-2. With the win, the Shamrocks advance to the 3A state quarterfinals and next will face #11 seed Fountain Hills on Tuesday at Goodyear Ballpark. Fountain Hills upset #6 seed Gilbert Christian 10-3 on Saturday.