The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans hit the road Monday, April 14th, traveling to Needles, California, where they battled the Mustangs in a tense, defense-heavy game that ended in a hard-fought 3-2 win for the visiting team.
The early innings saw both teams locked in a tight defensive standoff. In the top of the first, Tony Whitney got things started for the Trojans with a single to left field, but three quick outs kept him stranded on third. The Mustangs followed with a quiet inning of their own, going three up, three down thanks to sharp fielding and strong pitching from Cody Fried.
Pahrump looked to gain momentum in the second when Chris Nelson singled on a fly ball to center. However, the inning ended with two strikeouts and a fly out, leaving Nelson on base. The Mustangs tried to shake things up but were quickly shut down again, thanks to a combination of defensive awareness and Cimperman catching a runner stealing.
The third inning mirrored the earlier ones with both teams failing to bring runners home. For the Trojans, three quick fly outs ended their half, while the Mustangs added a bit of pressure with walks but couldn’t capitalize.
Things came to life in the fourth when Andrew Zurn grounded out to start the inning, followed by a powerful solo home run by Aidyn Cratty that soared over left field, giving the Trojans a 1-0 lead. Chris Nelson added a single but was picked off at first. Kayne Horibe tripled on a line drive, but a popout ended the inning with him left on base.
The Mustangs answered back in the bottom of the fourth. After a strikeout, three consecutive walks loaded the bases. A line out to center allowed one runner to tag and score, and a passed ball brought in another. A ground out ended the inning, but not before Needles took a 2-1 lead.
The fifth inning remained scoreless, but the Trojans found their rhythm again in the sixth. Vinny Whitney reached first on an error, and after two outs, Chris Nelson delivered a key single that helped Vinny advance to third. With Horibe at the plate, a passed ball allowed Whitney to score and tie the game 2-2. In the bottom half, Tony Whitney stepped in to pitch and helped keep the Mustangs scoreless despite bases being loaded, thanks to quick thinking and solid teamwork, including more smart catches by Cimperman.
With the game tied in the top of the seventh, the Trojans dug deep. Ben Cimperman led off with a walk, and Anthony Montanez came in as a courtesy runner. After a popout and a strikeout, Montanez stole second and scored when Tony Whitney ripped a single to second base, giving Pahrump the 3-2 lead.
The bottom of the seventh was all about grit and composure as the Trojans’ defense held firm. With sharp pitching and alert fielding, they shut down the Mustangs and sealed the win.
It was a complete team effort on both sides of the ball, with contributions throughout the lineup. The Trojans walked away victorious, showing heart, hustle, and determination on the road.
*Photos are from a game earlier this season.
