LAS VEGAS, NV – The competitive Desert Region featured the Basic Wolves, who currently holds a share of the lead with Desert Oasis, and the Bishop Gorman Gaels on Tuesday afternoon.  The contest rescheduled due to a rainout on Monday pitted righthander, ’20 Demitrius Vigil (Basic) against LHP, ’20 Noah Glaser (Bishop Gorman).  Both hurlers were sharp early and defenses on point. Basic struck first on ’20 Dalton Miller’s (Basic) 2-run blast in the top of the third.  The Gaels answered with 3 runs in the bottom half with two runs courtesy of catcher, ’21 Gavin Mez double down the first base line. Each team scored a run in the fourth as well as 2 in the sixth and they began the seventh tied at 6-6. Miller leadoff the seventh with a single to right field for his third hit of the game. Miller advanced to second on a balk called against ’21 Julian Molto-Herrera on in relief of Glaser. Wolves third baseman, ’19 Kyle Turner moved Miller to third with a fly ball out to centerfield.  ’21 Hunter Katschke (Basic) hit a fly to short right field near the foul line, an aggressive Miller tagged and scored with rightfielder, ’20 Noah Gulley (Bishop Gorman) moving away from his throwing arms side. ’20 Logan Spaur (Basic) came on to close it out, retiring the Gaels in order.

Offensively, Bishop Gorman was led by a couple of underclassmen in ’’21 Santino Panaro (LF) with two hits as well as ’22 Tai Nguyen (1B) with three hits. Basic second baseball, Dalton Miller led the Wolves 3-3, HR. The Wolves win sets up a showdown with Desert Oasis on Wednesday for the Desert Region championship.  Likley starters will be Shane Spencer for Basic and Campbell Holt for Desert Oasis.  The game will be played at Basic, 3:30 pm. 

'21 Julian Molto-Herrera, RHP (Bishop Gorman)

Durable, 5-foot-10 170, Molto-Herrera has a compact frame with present strength. He came on in relief throwing his fastball 83-85. He had solid area control of his fastball, using both sides of the plate. His curveball 70-71 displayed good shape, depth and consistent feel for spin.  His outing provided limited looks at the changeup 73 with arm side life. Molto-Herrera maintained a repeatable delivery, throwing from a H3/4 slot with a pitchability above his years.  He was poised in a close game, managing inherited adversity. With growth and velocity development, he lends nicely to a future rotation starter.

’21 Santino Panaro, OF  (Bishop Gorman)

Twitchy, 5-foot-9 160, Panaro has a compact frame with present strength.  He tracked balls well in the outfield, taking potential extra base hits away from the opponent, ranging to the gap as well as straight overhead.  At the plate, he maintains a contact approach with a middle to opposite field approach and a swing that plays to his speed.  Panaro is a future centerfielder, playing left field as a sophomore and possibly a junior due to the presence of Southern California commit, ’20 Carson Wells.

’22 Tai Nguyen, 1B (Bishop Gorman)

Sturdy, 6’1 205, Nguyen is strong above his years and moves well for a someone of his size and stature.  He played in just his third game at the varsity level, swinging the bat with confidence. A potential middle of the order bat down the road, he peppered the middle of the field, making quality contact. His performance 

’21 Dominik Tavares, SS (Basic)

Compact, 5-foot-8 140, Tavares has room for weight and strength gains.  He displayed solid infield actions, making plays right, left, and on slow rollers throughout the contest. He utilized good footwork to provide carry to his throws with developing arm strength. Improved arm strength will provide the ability to stay at short or he could be better suited to second base down the line.  He is a consummate contact hitter who worked counts and was a tough out, singling home a runner with 2 outs and 2 strikes.