Game 1: Chandler-Gilbert Beats GateWay 13-3
The Chandler-Gilbert Coyotes routed the GateWay Geckos by a score of 13-3 on Thursday. The Coyotes offense exploded for 13 runs on 12 hits, while the Cougars managed just 3 runs on 7 hits. GateWay's offense was stymied by the Coyotes pitching staff. Jeff Martz led the way for the Gecko's going 3-for-4 with a home run, 1 run scored, and 3 RBI. However, the rest of the lineup struggled to find any rhythm, with only Treston Shallenberger managing multiple hits (2 for 4). The Geckos were plagued by errors and miscues, committing three on the day.
Braeden Romero got the start for GateWay, but struggled some. He pitched 5 innings, allowing 7 runs (6 earned) on 6 hits while striking out 5. Gus Rogers came on in relief and fared no better, surrendering 6 runs (5 earned) on 6 hits in 1.⅓ innings.
Game 2: GateWay Defeats Chandler Gilbert 7-3
The GateWay offense exploded for seven runs on Friday afternoon, defeating Chandler Gilbert 7-3. Treston Shallenberger led the way with a two-hit performance, including a double and an RBI. Roy Carrasco also had a big night, collecting two hits, two RBIs, and a double. The Gecko's wasted no time getting on the board, plating two runs in the top of the second inning, responding to the two runs CG got in the bottom of the first. Jeter Mauzey and Nolan Kutcher singled to start the rally. Carrasco then drove in both with a double, giving. Chandler Gilbert answered back in the bottom of the thir, scoring one run. However, GateWay shut down their offense for the rest of the game, adding five more runs throughout the contest. A key moment came in the top of the fifth inning when Andrew Hunt tripled to centerfield, Treston Shallenberger followed that with a walk, and Jeff Martz hit a line drive to left field that was misplayed allowing for Hunt and Shallenberger to score with Martz ending up on third base after the miscue. Martz scored immediately after that on a Macs Carrillo sac fly to centerfield. GW tacked on two more runs in the sixth and seventh innings to solidify their lead.
Logan Martin picked up the win for GW, pitching eight innings and allowing three runs on nine hits. He struck out seven batters and walked just two. Wyatt Bauer closed out the game with a scoreless ninth inning.
The story of the game was the Gecko's offensive output. Carrillo, Mauzey, Kutcher, Fernandez, and Hunt all recorded hits. Shallenberger, Martz, and Carrasco led the way with multi-hit performances.
Game 3: GateWay Rallies Past Chandler Gilbert in High-Scoring Affair (15-14)
In a three hour and fifty minute, back-and-forth slugfest, GateWay outlasted Chandler Gilbert 15-14 Sturday afternoon to take the Region 1 Title! Both teams combined for 29 runs on 38 hits, but a big fourth inning propelled the Geckos to victory.
GateWay got off to a hot start, plating two runs in the top of the second inning. The offense continued to click in the forth, scoring eight runs. Treston Shallenberger led the way, going 4-for-7 with a double, two runs scored, and three RBI. Jeff Martzwent 3-for-7 with two doubles, two runs scored and one RBI. Macs Carrillo went 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles, runs scored, and RBI's. Raenan Padilla also had big nights collecting three hits, with just a triple short of hitting for the cycle, and driving in five runs.
Chandler Gilbert battled back, scoring runs in each of the next four innings to tie the game at 14-14 heading into the ninth. However, GateWay wasn't done yet. They added a run in the top of the ninth to take the win.
Defensively, both teams struggled with five errors combined. However, on the mound, GateWay's pitching staff was able to make key outs when it mattered most. Jeff Martz picked up the win in relief, tossing 1.⅓ scoreless innings. Andres Gonzalez got the start for GW, going four innings and allowing six runs.
With the NJCAA Region 1 D2 series win GateWay has secured a spot in the West Distrtict Championship Series. The series is scheduled to start Friday, May 17th at 6pm CT in Magnolia, Arkansas on the campus of Southern Arkansas University. The Geckos will be facing South Arkansas Community College. Game 2 is scheduled to start at 3pm CT on Saturday, May 18th and the if necessary game is scheduled for Sunday, May 19th at 1pm CT. Winner of the West District Championship has an automatic bid to the NJCAA D2 World Series in Enid, Oklahoma!
