Kofa, Gila Ridge baseball increase postseason chances
The Kofa baseball team strengthened its postseason chances with a much-needed 9-6 win over Sunnyside in Tucson to close the regular season Monday.
The Kings (8-10 AIA, 3-4 region) entered the game ranked No. 25 in 6A, and need to move up at least one spot to qualify for Wednesday’s 6A state play-in round — for which the matchups will be revealed today.
Kofa totaled 12 hits in Monday’s contest and used a five-run fifth inning to turn a 2-2 tie into a 7-2 lead.
Ari Ortega went 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs, Nick Rehkopf went 3-for4 with one RBI, Alexis Torres went 2-for4 with a double and two RBIs, and Daniel Urbieta hit a solo home run.
Robert Martinez received the win on the mound, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits in five innings. Jesus Roldan also pitched two hitless innings.
MORE PREP BASEBALL Gila Ridge 7, Coronado 1
Much like Kofa, Gila Ridge entered its regular-season finale very much in need of a victory to stay alive for a postseason berth. The Hawks (9-9 AIA) got it thanks in part to a trio of pitchers — Anthony Yee (2 IP), Joey Dressler (2 IP) and Dale Tshigg (3 IP) — who combined to allow just six hits in the game. Ramces Urias led the Gila Ridge offense by going 2-for-4 with a double. Gila Ridge entered the game ranked No. 23 in 4A, and is likely to stay in the top 24 and begin the postseason with a road playin game Wednesday.
Tucson High 4, San Luis 2
Tucson claimed the 6A Southern region title with the victory, while San Luis dropped to 15-3 AIA to finish the regular season.
The Sidewinders, who were ranked as high as No. 3 last week, have now lost two straight and are likely — considering they were No. 8 entering Monday — to finish somewhere in the No. 9-16 range, which would mean a home play-in game Wednesday.
Fountain Hills 11, Yuma Catholic 5
With the loss, the Shamrocks (9-6 AIA, 6-4 region) — ranked No. 17 in 3A as of Monday — are likely to begin the postseason on the road in 3A’s play-in round Friday.
San Pasqual 21, Telesis Prep 6
Victor Alvarez (2 HRs), Frankie Rodri-