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Pinnacle faced Hamilton in round one of the 2026 State Title race on Saturday. The Pinnacle versus Hamilton is a match up with history a decade old when the two schools met in the final tournament game 3 times. A first round meeting of these teams is a rarity.
This meeting was all Pinnacle. Pioneers' pitcher Lilly Hamel allowed the Huskies only one hit in the 11-0 shutout. The Pioneers have been making a habit of blowing out opponents this season.
Senior Sienna Caro went 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs. Last years' 6A player of the year and senior Bri Smith hit 2-for-3 with two runs and accounted for an RBI. Also Lili Cruse, a freshman, added to the Pinnacle win with 2-for-2 at the plate with two RBIs and a run. The Pioneers were on offensive fire as they batted .429 for the game.
According to Pinnacle Athletic Director Pat Hurley "The team has gotten into a rhythm and we're expecting a deep run in this tournament. This was a good win for our team". After this win the Pinnacle Pioneers record is 19-8-1 with the 14 of the last 15 wins and their ninth consecutive at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.4 runs over those games. With the loss Hamilton ended a four game road win streak and brought their record to 16-14.
Up next for Pinnacle is Marana on Wednesday. Hamilton will face Liberty on Tuesday.
This meeting was all Pinnacle. Pioneers' pitcher Lilly Hamel allowed the Huskies only one hit in the 11-0 shutout. The Pioneers have been making a habit of blowing out opponents this season.
Senior Sienna Caro went 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs. Last years' 6A player of the year and senior Bri Smith hit 2-for-3 with two runs and accounted for an RBI. Also Lili Cruse, a freshman, added to the Pinnacle win with 2-for-2 at the plate with two RBIs and a run. The Pioneers were on offensive fire as they batted .429 for the game.
According to Pinnacle Athletic Director Pat Hurley "The team has gotten into a rhythm and we're expecting a deep run in this tournament. This was a good win for our team". After this win the Pinnacle Pioneers record is 19-8-1 with the 14 of the last 15 wins and their ninth consecutive at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.4 runs over those games. With the loss Hamilton ended a four game road win streak and brought their record to 16-14.
Up next for Pinnacle is Marana on Wednesday. Hamilton will face Liberty on Tuesday.
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