(RV) Thunderbirds Earn Comeback Win At Chandler-Gilbert

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 - 9:37 pm | Derek Diesner

Chandler, AZ - The Mesa Thunderbirds trailed the Chandler-Gilbert Coyotes 5-1 after six innings of play on Wednesday afternoon. The T-Birds used a five-run seventh inning to rally past the Coyotes 7-5.

With the victory, the Thunderbirds; who are currently receiving votes in the latest NJCAA DII Baseball National Poll, improve to 10-1 overall and 3-1 in ACCAC action. With the loss, the Chandler-Gilbert Coyotes fall to 4-7 overall and remain winless in conference play at 0-4.

After trailing by four runs two-thirds of the way through, the Mesa Thunderbird offense came to life. The T-Birds broke out for a five-run seventh inning to bury the Coyotes for good. The Thunderbird offense would tack on an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning, to leave town with a 7-5 conference win over Chandler-Gilbert.

The first four batters in the T-Bird batting order of Marshall Williams, Cal Walsh, Connor Culp, and Seth McGrath combined to go 7-for-14 at the plate with 4 RBI's and 5 runs scored.

On the mound, Octavio Flores got the start but would not factor into the decision. Flores tossed four innings while allowing four runs; two earned on six hits with one strikeout and one walk. Richard Hudson picked up the win in relief of Flores, tossing three innings while allowing one unearned run on three hits with three strikeouts and a walk. Jonathan Weiss picked up the save with a clean ninth inning of work.

The Thunderbirds return home this Friday to host conference foe Phoenix College. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 pm and can be seen live on Mesa T-Birds Sports Live.

Don't forget to check out the MCC Team Shop, as well as our Booster Club.