Week 5 Game Recap: #21 Liberty vs. #3 SD O’Connor
March 27, 2024
#21 Liberty 2 vs. #3 Sandra Day O'Connor 1
In a highly anticipated matchup between #21 Liberty and #3 Sandra Day O'Connor, baseball fans were treated to a thrilling pitching duel that kept both teams on edge until the final out. Ultimately, it was Liberty who emerged victorious, edging out Sandra Day O'Connor by a narrow margin of 2-1. The standout of the game was Liberty's starting pitcher, Gerardo Gonzales, whose dominant performance on the mound propelled his team to victory. Committed to Central Arizona, Gonzales showcased his exceptional skill set, throwing a complete game over seven innings, allowing just one earned run while tallying an impressive nine strikeouts. Gonzales' fastball proved to be overpowering for the Eagles' offense, consistently reaching speeds of 88-89 mph and occasionally touching 90 mph.
24’ RHP Gerardo Gonzales
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) March 27, 2024
(Liberty)@CAC_BaseballDB9 commit with a lights out CG performance on Tuesday night cutting down one of the top offenses in the state in O’Connor. FB/SL mix showed command and depth to the BB.
CG/4H/1ER/1BB/9Ks
FB 88-89 T.90 (2400)
SL 73-74 (2380)… pic.twitter.com/Hxlqkie18Y
Despite facing Gonzales' formidable pitching, Sandra Day O'Connor put up a valiant effort throughout the game. However, Liberty's defense proved to be too formidable, limiting the Eagles' offensive opportunities. Liberty managed to secure the win with just two runs, capitalizing on their limited hits to secure a crucial victory.
One of the pivotal moments of the game came from Liberty's Braden Watson, a committed Hawaii player whose standout performance included a powerful hit into the left-center field gap for a stand-up double. Watson's offensive prowess provided the spark that Liberty needed to secure their lead and ultimately clinch the win.
C Braden Watson
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) March 26, 2024
2025, @LibertyLionsBB
Loud missile into left CF for a standup double. Watson ends up stranded at second, 1-0 Liberty through three.
The @HawaiiBaseball commit recently soared into Arizona’s Top 10 in the junior class.@BradenWatson35 | @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/O6mQaVjQ9M
On the Sandra Day O'Connor side, Aiden Maselli emerged as a standout performer, showcasing his talent with a solid 2-3 day at the plate, including a crucial RBI single in the fourth inning. Maselli's offensive contribution highlighted the Eagles' resilience and determination to battle until the very end.
INF Aiden Maselli
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) March 27, 2024
2024, Sandra Day O’Connor
Shot into left for an RBI single, tying this one up at 1-1.@SoMtnBaseball commit and West Coast Games alum.@AidenMaselli | @SheaSbranti pic.twitter.com/581LROkkXj
Overall, the Liberty vs. Sandra Day O'Connor matchup lived up to its billing as a thrilling contest between two top-ranked teams. With both sides delivering standout performances, it was Liberty who ultimately emerged victorious, thanks to Gerardo Gonzales' stellar pitching. As the baseball season progresses, both teams will undoubtedly continue to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level.
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| Arizona Rising Stars ID | AZ | 04/13 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |
| Arizona Rising Stars ID - Session 2 | AZ | 04/27 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |
| Mesa Summer ID | AZ | 05/29 | Desert Ridge High School - Mesa, AZ |
| West Side Summer ID | AZ | 06/18 | Canyon View High School - Waddell, AZ |
| Glendale Summer ID | AZ | 07/16 | Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ |
| Future Games (Class of 2026/27) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |
| Junior Future Games (Class of 2028/29) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |
| Senior Future Games (Class of 2025) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |