In the dictionary, "pitchers' duel" has this game's photos next to it. The Queen Creek Bulldogs narrowly squeak by the host Pinnacle Pioneers 1–0 in an extra-innings playoff game at Mesa High School on Wednesday night.
The Bulldogs snapped Pinnacle’s 11-game winning streak and extended Queen Creek’s 21-game road win run dating back to last season.
Held scoreless through nine, sophomore Aubrey Chavez took the mound for Queen Creek in her 10th inning pitching. Chavez allowed one hit, one walk, and faced 12 different Pioneers to lock up the shutout win.
Offensively, Queen Creek survived despite limited opportunities. The Bulldogs managed only four hits, matching Pinnacle, but one when it mattered most. A clutch 10th inning RBI by freshman Bulldog Tayla Falquez handed them the lead and the win.
Pinnacle’s senior pitching star and Boise State commit, Kodi Crabtree, kept the Pioneers alive with her own stellar performance. 10 innings, 4 hits allowed, one earned run, and 15 Ks. Fantastic game aside, Crabtree came up just short somewhat ironically forcing a rematch with the Bullogs the next night. By games end, the two teams had played a combined 17 innings in their two previous meetings for a cumulative 3-3 run total.
The win marked Queen Creek’s 21st consecutive road victory high lighting their ability to perform under sustained pressure. Pinnacle’s strength at home is proven but seems to work best when actually on their own field.
The Bulldogs momentum carried over to the next night, rematching Pinnacle on May 15 and winning. This time 2–1, eliminating the Pioneers and punching their ticket to the Finals at Farrington on May 19th.
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