The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans baseball team showcased resilience and determination in their recent matchups against Moapa Valley and Needles. Despite coming up short in both games, the team demonstrated strong performances at the plate and in the field. Their record currently stands at 11-4-1.
Trojans vs. Moapa Valley Pirates
In an away game against the Moapa Valley Pirates, the Trojans started strong, taking an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. Aidyn Cratty singled to left field and later scored on a line drive from Kayne Horibe. Chris Nelson followed with a hard-hit grounder to center, bringing Horibe home for the second run. The Trojans threatened with loaded bases, but a force out at second ended the inning.
Defensively, the Trojans held the Pirates in check early, but Moapa Valley found momentum in the second inning. A combination of singles, passed balls, and a double allowed the Pirates to tie the game at 2-2. The Trojans managed to escape a bases-loaded situation to keep the game even heading into the third.
The next few innings saw strong defensive plays from both teams, with the Trojans holding the Pirates scoreless in the third thanks to a caught stealing by catcher Ben Cimperman. However, Moapa Valley capitalized on key hits in the fourth inning, adding two runs to take a 4-2 lead.
The Trojans continued to battle, with Vinny Whitney hitting a double in the sixth and Cratty singling in the seventh. However, solid fielding from Moapa Valley kept the Trojans from adding to their score, resulting in a 4-2 loss. Despite the outcome, the Trojans displayed excellent teamwork and made strong defensive plays throughout the game.
Trojans vs. Needles Mustangs
Returning home on Tuesday, March 18, the Trojans took on the Needles Mustangs in a thrilling matchup that saw multiple lead changes. Pahrump Valley controlled the game early, holding the Mustangs scoreless in the first inning before taking the lead. Aidyn Cratty, after reaching on a single and stealing two bases, scored on a sacrifice fly from Kayne Horibe to put the Trojans ahead 1-0.
The third inning saw another spark for the Trojans, as Tony Whitney singled and stole second before Cratty crushed a home run to left field, extending the lead to 3-0. The Mustangs responded in the fourth, scoring twice to cut the lead to one.
The game shifted in the top of the fifth when Needles put together a four-run inning to take a 5-3 lead. The Trojans responded immediately, with Aaron Rily and Cratty both reaching base. A well-placed hit from Horibe allowed Cratty to score, keeping the Trojans within one run at 6-5 heading into the sixth.
The tension grew in the seventh inning, as Cratty once again came through with a single and aggressive baserunning, reaching third on a wild pitch. Andrew Zurn delivered in the clutch, driving in Cratty to tie the game at 6-6, forcing extra innings.
The Mustangs, however, capitalized on timely hitting in the eighth, scoring four runs to take a 10-6 lead. The Trojans put up a fight in the bottom half but were unable to close the gap, falling to Needles in a hard-fought game.
While the final scores didn’t swing in Pahrump Valley’s favor, the Trojans demonstrated their offensive capabilities, defensive strength, and relentless spirit. Their ability to battle through adversity and compete at a high level bodes well for the rest of the season. With continued effort and determination, the Trojans are poised for success in the games ahead.
