There was no comeback on the horizon tonight for the Park University Gilbert baseball team.  After overcoming a 13-run deficit in their last game against Benedictine-Mesa, the magic could not be found on this day as the Redhawks handed the Buccaneers a 15-0 run-rule loss in seven innings at Gene Autry Park in Mesa, Ariz.

We can't keep putting ourselves in a hole against good teams like that," said Buccaneers head coach Kelly Stinnett.  "We have to play better in all facets of the game.  We didn't swing it or pitch the way we are capable tonight."

The game looked as though it would be a hard fought, grind it out battle early.  Starter Luke Richards gave up single runs in the first and second inning.  Adrian Gamez threw a 1-2-3 third and it looked like it would be a tight contest.  But in the fourth, two seeing eye singles off Gamez started what turned into a 10-run barrage.  The Buccaneers gifted the first five runs by walking or hitting six consecutive Redhawk (15-7) batters.  Then two errors on the same play by Bucs shortstop Andre Avalos allowed an additional run to score, followed by a three-run inside the park home run to complete the scoring in the inning. The Redhawks added three more in the fifth to round out the 15-run night.

At the plate, Park Gilbert (6-7, 4-2 Cal Pac) only managed four hits on the night as they were held in check by Benedictine starter Malik Binns.  The Bucs struck out 11 times on the night. Park Gilbert had runners in scoring position in the fourth and fifth but were unable to get a clutch knock to get the runner home.

The Bucs will have a chance to return the favor in just five days as these two teams will meet again for another non-conference matchup next Tuesday, April 6 at 6 p.m. at Gene Autry Park before returning to conference play next weekend with a home series against La Sierra.