The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans’ varsity baseball team came out swinging in their home opener against the Mojave Rattlers on March 4, securing a commanding 12-2 win via the 10-run mercy rule.
The game started with a slight stumble as the Rattlers took an early lead in the first inning due to a balk. However, the Trojans quickly turned things around. Tony Whitney led off the bottom of the first with a base hit and a stolen base, followed by Aidyn Cratty reaching on a hit-by-pitch. A crucial error allowed Cratty to score, tying the game 1-1.
T. Whitney then took over pitching duties in the second inning, keeping the Rattlers from gaining any momentum. The defense locked in, with key plays from the infield ensuring a three-up, three-down finish for Mojave.
The Trojans broke the game wide open in the third. With bases loaded, a wild pitch allowed Montanez to score, followed by a perfectly timed steal of home by Whitney on the throwback to the pitcher. With the chaos caused by Whitney’s steal and a miss by the catcher, Cratty was able to add another run with a headfirst slide at the plate. Jack Walker’s double to right field brought in two more. By the time the dust settled, Pahrump had taken a 7-2 lead, forcing the Rattlers into a pitching change.
Whitney remained dominant on the mound, striking out three consecutive batters in the fourth to maintain the Trojans’ defensive momentum. Despite some strong defensive efforts from Mojave, Pahrump continued to capitalize on opportunities, loading the bases again in the fifth. Christopher Nelson’s aggressive base running saw him steal home, followed by Horibe’s clutch hit to right field that drove in three more runs. With Vinny Whitney’s RBI single, the game was sealed at 12-2, ending via the 10-run mercy rule.
The Trojans’ combination of disciplined at-bats, smart base running, and dominant pitching proved to be the perfect formula for victory. With a strong season ahead, this game set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year for PVHS baseball.
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