The Park University Gilbert baseball team needed to win the series against first place Saint Katherine to solidify their position in the race to make the California Pacific Tournament at the end of the year. Behind five strong innings from Aaron de Groot and a seven run third inning, the Buccaneers were able to do just that in winning the rubber game of the three game conference series 12-7. The two teams then played a seven inning non-conference game won by USK 7-5.
Game 1 – Park Gilbert 12, Saint Katherine 7
The Buccaneers were able to jump out to a 9-1 lead after three innings and then were able to cruise home to a 12-7 win.
The Bucs leading 2-1 heading into the bottom of the third, the Bucs put up seven runs when USK starter Seth Spencer struggled with his control. After an error got things started for the Bucs, Spencer walked four consecutive batters to bring in two runs. After a pitching change a fielder's choice brought in a third run, before an Aaron Stinnett single brought in a fourth. The with two outs and two runners on, Austin Chouinard launched a low missile to left center field which just kept carrying over the fence for the three-run home run to complete the scoring.
That was enough for Bucs starter de Groot who pitched five innings, allowing four runs (three earned). He upped his record to 3-1. He was followed by two scoreless innings from Aaron Lizarraga. Jose Zubia struggled for the second consecutive outing, only being able to get one out and allowing three runs before Aaron Gutierrez was called upon to get the final six outs as he picked up his third save.
Aaron Stinnett had two RBI to go along with three walks in the game. Alex Stinnett extended his hitting streak to seven games and Kevin Whalen and Joel Adamson both had two RBI.
Game 2 – Saint Katherine 7, Park Gilbert 5
Today was the final home date on the schedule for the Bucs and they honored their seniors before the start of the second game. As a non-conference contest, head coach Kelly Stinnett used this game as an opportunity to recognize not only his seniors who are regular contributors, but his seniors who have not seen as much action this season.
Senior Chase Provencio made his first career start and threw two innings allowing one run in the second.
The Bucs got on the board first on an Alex Stinnett sacrifice fly. This was his only plate appearance and even though he does not get credit for an at bat his hitting streak ended because of it.
Kelly Stinnett gave all of his regular seniors one at bat and then replaced them in the field shortly after so they could have one final ovation from the crowd.
Senior Joseph Chavira threw two scoreless innings and the game was knotted at 1-1 after four. In the fifth both teams put four runs on the board in their half of the inning and the game was tied 5-5.
After Liam Zupancic threw a scoreless sixth in only his second appearance in Bucs uniform, Zachary Swanson made his season debut. Swanson has been out with an injury all season and his velocity looked to be less then what he is used to as he works his way back into game shape. The Firebirds took advantage and scored two runs off of Swanson (0-1) in the seventh which ended up being the final margin of victory.
Cole Sneed had two hits and an RBI to lead the Bucs at the plate. Chris Amador scored two runs.
The Buccaneers have six games remaining in the season, all on the road. They travel to Irvine Calif., next Friday and Saturday for a three-game set with Westcliff before finishing the season with Embry Riddle in Prescott, Ariz., at the end of the month.
