Verrado Clinches Over Lake Havasu
In a heart-pounding, back-and-forth showdown, the Verrado Junior Varsity baseball team edged out Lake Havasu 9-8 in an unforgettable contest. The game had everything – explosive hits, solid defense, and moments of pure drama. Verrado came out strong but found themselves holding on for dear life as Lake Havasu made a late-game push, only to fall just short.
The Vipers wasted no time making their presence felt. They jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, thanks to a big-time home run from Brady Trujillo, who crushed a ball over the fence to give Verrado the early advantage. But it was Mateo Flores who truly stole the show. He was absolutely on fire at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and helping lead Verrado to a five-run third inning that stretched their lead to 9-1. Flores wasn’t just hitting; he was causing chaos on the basepaths too, stealing two bases and keeping the pressure on Lake Havasu throughout the game.
But just when it seemed like the game was slipping out of Lake Havasu’s hands, they mounted a furious comeback in the fifth inning, scoring six runs and closing the gap to just one. It was a game-changer, and suddenly, the pressure was back on the Vipers.
With the momentum shifting, Verrado turned to Jackson Bailey, who took the mound for a critical four-inning performance. Bailey was calm under pressure, striking out eight batters and limiting the damage. Even when Lake Havasu made things tense, Bailey held his ground, allowing just one earned run. But it wasn’t just the pitching that carried Verrado—it was their defense too. Brady Trujillo was steady in the field, and Maddox Taylor, coming off the bench, made key contributions with an RBI and a steal, making sure Verrado kept its foot on the gas when they needed it most.
The late-game intensity only grew, and Lake Havasu’s rally seemed like it might turn the tide. Still, Easton Santoscame in for a clutch relief appearance, striking out three batters in a perfect inning of work, shutting down any hopes of a Lake Havasu comeback and keeping Verrado on top.
Though Drew Passmore and Wyatt Wafford tried to rally the visiting team with solid performances, it wasn’t enough. Passmore went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, and Wafford fought hard on the mound, but the Vipers’ offense and defense proved too much to overcome.
In the end, Verrado’s 9-8 victory was a testament to their grit and resilience. Despite the back-and-forth nature of the game, they held it together when it counted, with players like Mateo Flores, Brady Trujillo, and Jackson Baileymaking the big plays that led them to the win. This victory sets the stage for a promising stretch of games ahead as Verrado proves they have the heart and the talent to compete at the highest level.
