Online Extra: Baseball sweeps doubleheader to end losing streak

By James Sargent
Photo by James Kelley

The Pima Community College baseball team has struggled so far in the beginning of this young season starting off with a record of 2-5. The Aztecs finally managed to end a its 10 game skid dating back to last season.

“We are still trying to figure some things out,” head coach Edgar Soto said about the 0-5 road start.  “We have to do the little things right to win games.”

On Tuesday, Feb. 9 Pima played the UA club team in a doubleheader at Kino Sports Complex.

Pima exploded by scoring 19 runs on 26 hits in the combined two games.  The Aztecs recorded its first two wins of the season, 8-1 and 11-5.

Sophomore Joey Pavlovich (1-1) pitched five innings. He gave up two hits, no runs and four strikeouts.

Freshman Cameron Blazevich went 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Sophomore Alex Ferguson also went 3-4 with one RBI.

In the second game, freshman Matt Pavelich (1-0) relieved to earn the win, working two innings out of the bullpen.

Freshman Jesus Vega went 4-5 with a triple, an RBI and two stolen bases.  Freshman Leo Durazo went 3-5 with three RBIs.

On Jan. 29 the Aztecs opened their 2010 campaign with a 3-2 loss at Paradise Valley Community College.

Sophomore Tim Reed got the start and was only able to complete three innings of work.  Reed left the game with a no decision and gave way to the bullpen.

Freshmen Matt Pavelich and Robert Ravago pitched in relief.  Ravago finished the game and he gave up three runs, on two hits, to earn the loss.

Sophomore Alex Ferguson led the way at the plate, where he went 3-4 and scored one run.

Sophomores Justin Zumwalde and Jesus Martinez also picked up a pair of hits as they each went 2-4, in the season opening loss.

On Jan. 30 Pima continued to slide and lost a pair of games in a doubleheader against the Pumas, 4-0 and 1-0.

Sophomore Chuy Gomez took the loss in Game 1 game while freshman Manolo Mendoza took the loss in Game 2.

Pima traveled north the next week to take on the No. 9 Wildcats of Western Nevada College.

There was a doubleheader on Friday, Feb. 5 and both games ended in a loss.

Tim Reed took the hill in his second start and pitched eight innings, giving up five runs, four earned and took the loss.

The Aztecs two RBIs came from second baseman, Jesus Vega, and third baseman, Tommy King.

The final score for Game 1 was 5-3.

In the second game, Chuy Gomez pitched four innings while surrendering five earned runs.

Robert Ravago relieved Gomez going four innings and giving up no runs.

Vega provided the lone RBI and the Aztecs lost the game 5-2.

The Aztecs were leading 3-0 in a third game but it was called off due to rain in the first inning.

“The key games are our conference games,” Soto said.  “They are the games that make the difference.  We need to figure out the best lineup so when we start our conference games we give ourselves the best chance to win.”