Photo: Adrian Sanderford provided the game winning hit in the Badgers 7-6 win
Adrian Sanderford had a real busy day in the Prescott Badgers season home opener. The senior right hander was not only the starting pitcher, but came up with the game winning hit in the bottom of the seventh inning to left the Badgers to an exciting 7-6 win.
The game was tied at six when Prescott came up in the bottom of the seventh. Ivan Shuster set the table by ripping a triple down the first base line. Deer Valley opted to walk the next two batters to load the bases in hopes of getting a double play ball. That didn’t happen as Sanderford belted a hot ball that deflected off the diving shortstop to bring home the game winner.
Photo: Nick Martin reacts to one of his three hits in the game
Nick Martin, Luke Tobin, and Sanderford had big days at the plate. Martin went three for four with two doubles and an RBI while Tobin also had three hits with a double and two RBIs. Sanderford had three hits as well with the game winning RBI. Cooper Magnett had two hits and an RBI. Seven different Badgers collected at least one hit.
Meanwhile on the hill, Sanderford went 5.1 innings allowing six runs on seven hits, with six strikeouts, but allowed seven walks. Travis Gates came in to close out the game, picking up the win in the process by going 1.2 innings, allowing just one hit and pair of walks and strikeouts.
Tyler Carr had a pair of hits and two RBIs for the Skyhawks. Maqelo Douglas also had two hits and one RBI.
Photo: Dominic Cruz dives into first during a pickoff attempt
Deer Valley started with Gavin McDonald on the mound who went three innings, allowing three runs on four hits. Carter Reitz pitched the final four and suffered the loss as he was roughed up for four runs on ten hits and a pair of walks.
The Badgers (2-3) will be on the road for the next few days starting off with a doubleheader Saturday at Mohave. Deer Valley falls to (1-5).
PRESCOTT BADGERS 7, DEER VALLEY SKYHAWKS 6
Innings- 123 456 7 – R H E
Deer Valley 011 220 0 – 6 8 2
Prescott 003 201 1 – 7 14 1
WP:Gates
LP:Reitz
