Week 5 Game Recap: Boulder Creek vs. Sunnyslope
March 29, 2024
Sunnyslope 7 vs. Boulder Creek 4
In a highly anticipated in-conference matchup between Boulder Creek and Sunnyslope, fans were treated to a competitive showdown between two 6A teams in the Desert Valley conference. Sunnyslope wasted no time establishing their dominance, surging ahead with a commanding 5-run second inning. From that point onward, they maintained their lead with unwavering determination, ultimately securing a 7-4 victory over Boulder Creek.
The standout of the game was Sunnyslope's starting pitcher, Gavin Short, who delivered a stellar performance on the mound. Short demonstrated his prowess by tossing five strong innings, allowing just one earned run while racking up an impressive eight strikeouts. His commanding presence on the mound set the tone for Sunnyslope's success and proved pivotal in their victory.
24’ CINF Gavin Short
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) March 28, 2024
(Sunnyslope)@SoMtnBaseball commit and SP in this one helps himself out with a leadoff GR Double to RCF. Watch out for Short to be a must watch prospect in the next couple years at South. @Gavinshort2024 ll @SheaSbranti pic.twitter.com/vLbX8ZPSfe
Despite facing a deficit early in the game, Boulder Creek refused to back down and staged a valiant comeback effort in the later innings. However, their efforts fell short as they were unable to muster the big inning needed to overtake Sunnyslope's lead.
24’ OF Cooper Shillington
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) March 28, 2024
(Sunnyslope)@PBR_Uncommitted delivers with a shot into left for a 2 out RBI double. Slope leads 5-1 with 2 down in the top of 2.@SunnyslopeBase1 ll @SheaSbranti pic.twitter.com/w2lobnoV0F
Offensively, Sunnyslope's Cooper Shillington and Ezekiel Mendoza emerged as key contributors, delivering clutch hits to propel their team to victory. Shillington showcased his hitting prowess with two hits on the day, including a crucial 2-out RBI double. Meanwhile, Mendoza also made his presence felt at the plate, tallying two hits, one of which was a powerful ground-rule double that drove in two runs.
24’ INF Ezekiel Mendoza
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) March 28, 2024
(Sunnyslope)@PBR_Uncommitted jumps on the train driving the second GR Double of the inning burning the left fielder for 2RBIs. Slope leads 2-1 with 1 out in the top half of 2. @ezekieljmendoza ll @SheaSbranti pic.twitter.com/pi0D9yfG5H
Overall, Sunnyslope demonstrated their resilience and potential as a formidable contender in the AIA playoffs with their commanding performance against Boulder Creek. With their strong pitching and clutch hitting, the Vikings have established themselves as a team to watch out for in the AIA playoffs this season.
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 |