A big third inning rally sparked Pahranagat Valley to a 23-2 win in the opener over visiting Beatty on Tuesday, and the Panthers scored at least three runs in every inning of the nightcap for an 18-4 win to complete the sweep in the Southern Division league matchup.
Alamo got off to a quick start in the first game with a six-run first inning and pounded out even more hits in the third frame when they scored 12 runs. The inning was highlighted by Paden Higbee?s two-run scoring double, a two-RBI triple, by Jordan Cryts, who also scored from third when the outfielder?s throw got by the catcher, and a two-run single from Wade Leavitt.
Leavitt worked three innings on the mound and recorded five strikeouts. Paden Higbee finished in relief.
In the second game, PVHS scored at least three in every inning, with five in the second and seven in the fourth for the 18-4 win. Christian Higbee got the win and three strikeouts, with two innings of relief work from Tabor Maxwell who struck out four.
Coach Brad Loveday said the team was hitting the ball hard and long, in part because Beatty?s pitchers ?did not have very good breaking stuff. We?ve got a pretty good team, hit the ball pretty well, and Beatty (2-9, 1-9) is young and still trying to build their team.?
Pahranagat Valley (13-2, 8-0), a team with only one senior themselves, the four-time defending state champions, continues to lead the league with Tonopah. The Panthers and Muckers (18-2-1, 6-0) play May 2 in Tonopah.
?They are going to be really good,? said Loveday. ?They?ve got one really good pitcher (junior Conner Friel). We beat him 3-0 in the regional tourney last year, but he?s really good and a year better and I expect us to compete with them really well.?
PVHS has three non-league games before meeting Tonopah, at Sunrise Mountain April 22, at Virgin Valley April 25, and hosting Lake Mead April 29.
Lincoln County baseball and Pahranagat softball were this week for Spring Break, and LCHS softball is participating in the Centennial Spring Jamboree this weekend in Las Vegas.