Yuma Catholic falls one run short in third straight title appearance

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Yuma Catholic's comeback falls just short in heartbreaking state title loss to Valley Christian.

For the third straight season, Yuma Catholic found itself playing for a state championship, and for the third straight season, the Shamrocks walked away one win short.

Yuma Catholic Shamrocks battled until the final out Monday afternoon at Tempe Diablo Stadium, but a late rally came up just short in a 6-5 loss to Valley Christian Trojans in the AIA 3A high school baseball state championship game.

The defeat marked the fourth consecutive postseason elimination for Yuma Catholic against Valley Christian, a powerhouse program that has repeatedly stood in the way of the Shamrocks' championship hopes.

Still, even after the emotional loss, head coach Judd Thrower made one thing clear: His team had nothing to hang its head about.

"You can't give any good team extra outs," Thrower said after the game. "Our guys fought all the way. Ended up knocking out their guy late in the game, but we can't keep giving them outs. I'm proud of our guys and the way they battled the whole time."

Yuma Catholic wasted little time putting pressure on Valley Christian ace Cameron Bergloff, a Cal State Northridge commit who had been one of the Trojans' biggest strengths entering the title matchup.

The Shamrocks jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, immediately forcing Valley Christian onto its heels.

Senior Jose Alatorre delivered a key RBI double during the opening frame, while Grayson Morris and Hiram Silva also helped produce runs as Yuma Catholic capitalized on early momentum.

Thrower said attacking Bergloff early was a major part of the game plan.

"We started out really well," Thrower said. "Their guy is one of those pitchers you've got to get to early. If he settles in, which he did, and starts locating pitches early in the count for strikes, it's going to be tough to hit that guy."

For a moment, it looked like the Shamrocks were in control, but Valley Christian slowly settled into the game and responded in the bottom of the third inning.

The Trojans scored three runs to tie the game before adding another three-run inning in the fourth to suddenly grab a 6-3 advantage.

Although Yuma Catholic matched Valley Christian with eight hits, defensive miscues ultimately proved costly.

The Shamrocks committed five errors in the game, allowing the Trojans to extend innings and create additional scoring opportunities. Only three of Valley Christian's six runs were earned.

Thrower acknowledged afterward how difficult it is to overcome mistakes against a championship-caliber opponent.

"Anytime we get close, you look back and those things are tough to swallow," Thrower said.

Even with the errors, senior pitcher Hiram Silva kept the Shamrocks within striking distance throughout the afternoon.

Silva pitched all six innings, allowing six runs on eight hits while striking out four batters. The senior also contributed offensively, finishing 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI.

Jose Alatorre added two RBIs for Yuma Catholic, while Daniel Ruiz chipped in a double as part of the Shamrocks' eight-hit effort.

Trailing 6-3 entering the seventh inning, Yuma Catholic refused to let the game end quietly.

The Shamrocks rallied for two runs in the top of the seventh, forcing Valley Christian to make a pitching change and bringing the tying run within reach.

The late surge embodied the fight that Thrower said has defined this group all season.

"That's what this team is about," Thrower said. "We fight. We want to compete every pitch that we can and not give an inch."

Valley Christian eventually turned to reliever Ryan Sanchez, who recorded the final two outs to preserve the victory and secure another championship for the Trojans.

Even after the final out, Thrower emphasized how proud he was of his players, especially a senior class that helped continue Yuma Catholic's run as one of Arizona's top baseball programs.

"This team has a special place in my heart," Thrower said. "Yeah, we made mistakes, but every high school team does. I couldn't be prouder of what these guys did and what we accomplished."

Despite the loss, Yuma Catholic's third consecutive appearance in the state championship game further cemented the consistency of the program under Thrower.

After graduating several major contributors from last year's roster, many questioned whether the Shamrocks could make another deep postseason run.

Instead, Yuma Catholic once again found itself competing on the biggest stage.

"With a new roster, it means a lot to us," Thrower said. "It shows how much work our program puts in every year and the culture we’ve developed here."

Thrower also noted how difficult it is simply to reach a championship game year after year, especially against a program as talented as Valley Christian.

"You make it to any final game this amount of years in a row, and this team has knocked us out four years in a row now," Thrower said. "They're a very, very good program obviously, and something we've got to continue to measure ourselves against and find a way to beat."

The Shamrocks finish the season just one win shy of a state title, but with another deep playoff run, another championship appearance and a reputation as one of Arizona's premier baseball programs firmly intact.