Desert Christian nets championship

Winning a championship is always sweet, but it doesn't have to be pretty.

Tucson Desert Christian defeated Phoenix Christian 11-9 in the Division IV state championship game Saturday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in an ugly game that featured 20 walks and eight errors.

Andrew Edwards started on the mound for Desert Christian (26-4), throwing 98 pitches (50 strikes) through four innings while allowing seven hits, six runs and seven walks. His ability to pick runners off was huge for the lefty, as he caught three runners in the first two innings.

Ryan Phillips led a balanced attack offensively, going 2 for 5 with three RBIs, two runs scored and a stolen base.

Noting that his team had only two seniors, Desert Christian coach M. Grant Hopkins beamed about the future.

"We started this back in October,” Hopkins said. “Everyone on this team are all great friends and get along. We play together pretty much all year."

Phoenix Christian (24-5) was game, but couldn't get out of their own way in the field. Coach Mark Banddidabitofforeshadowingbefore the game when he said, "Wehit and pitch really well, but we're just OK in the field."

It was those five errors and two wild pitches that sunk them. Whenever Desert Christian would pull away, the resilient bunch from Phoenix Christian would answer back. Senior Ben Filuk went 2 for 2 with a triple, and three runs.