Brophy 2
Mesquite 12
By Justin Janssen ’11
THE ROUNDUP
What started as a promising postseason for No. 9 Brophy (21-10) ended abruptly with two mercy losses to No. 4 Hamilton (25-6) and No. 1 Mesquite (29-4).
On May 12, the Broncos knew they had a tall task going against Mesquite ace Zach Davies (11-0, 1.82 ERA).
Davies is nominated for the Gatorade Arizona Baseball player of the year.
Despite Davies’ credentials, the Broncos had base runners in every inning and made Davies work for every out he got.
“We had a good game plan against Davies,” said Brophy head coach Mr. Tom Succow. “Our guys battled hard against him.”
Brophy struggles to contain the Mesquite offense. Starting pitcher Sean Maxon-Maldonado ’11 walked four batters and hitting two more in three innings.
“(Maldonado) pitched 1 2/3 innings Saturday,” Mr. Succow said. “It was the first time he threw since April 5.”
Mesquite got to work right away off Maldonado, scoring four runs in the first inning, three of the runners who scores reached on free passes by Maldonado.
Mesquite added a run in the second off of a wild pitch by Maldonado, and Spencer Applebach homered off him in the third.
“He deserved to have the ball, but just wasn’t sharp enough,” Mr. Succow said.
First baseman Dan Winkler ’11 jumpstarted Brophy’s offense with leadoff singles in the third and fifth innings.
Winkler came around to score both of Brophy’s runs.
A last chance at a comeback for Brophy was halted in the fifth inning when Connor Messman ’13 struck out with the bases loaded and two outs.
Mesquite ended the game in the sixth when they opened the inning with seven straight batters reaching the bases.
The Wildcats scored four in the inning and the 12-2 lead ended the game on the run rule.
Mr. Succow said he thought Brophy had a good season despite two straight losses by 10 runs.
“Anytime you win 20 games, it’s a success,” Mr. Succow said. “I’m proud of the effort the kids put in.”
Mesquite will take on Hamilton in the 5A-I semifinals May 12.
Due to Mesquite’s loss to Brophy May 3, if Mesquite beats Hamilton, the Wildcats have to play Hamilton again for the spot in the championship game.
