Michael Destasio
ASU Student Journalist

Chaparral picks up another win behind explosive bats

March 4, 2017 by Michael Destasio, Arizona State University


Explosive bats and a strong outing from Chaparral’s starting pitcher were enough to propel the baseball team to 12-4 victory over visiting Williams Field High School Friday. 

Both team’s starters pitched well and found themselves in a tight 3-2 ballgame after the 4th inning.

Colby Davis, the tall right-hander for Chaparral, threw five innings of 3-hit baseball and allowed only two runs.

This was Davis’ second start of the season, as he was able to bounce back after his first game.

“I pitched Saturday against Cactus Shadows, and I really wasn’t dominating with my fastball, so today I wanted to come out here and start off well with my fastball,” he said. “If I can get ahead on my fastball, I can use my curveball and change-up more effectively.”

After retiring the first nine batters, Davis found himself in a hole when he gave up two straight hits to start off the 4th inning.

He ultimately allowed two runs to cross the plate before getting through the inning. Chaparral head coach Sam Messina was impressed with was he saw out of his starting pitcher, and knew he’d get the offensive support throughout the game.

“Colby has a plus fastball, and with the offense and defense that we have, if you get the ball in the zone, our defense will make plays and our offense will keep us in the games,” Messina said.

The 5th inning was rather painless for Davis, facing only four batters.

The Chaparral offense was able to respond and get runs back on the board. The big change in momentum was in the bottom of the 4th, when the No. 9 hitter, catcher Clarke Candiotti, blasted a 2-run home run to left-centerfield.

“I saw a good pitch to hit, and just squared it up and crushed it,” Candiotti said, when speaking on his at-bat.

The offense did not stop there for Chaparral, as third baseman Jacob Gonzalez belted a 3-run home run later in the game. Center fielder Gianni Tomasi went 3 for 4 with a walk as he drove in two runs himself with a pair of doubles.

For Williams Field, centerfielder Tyler Quinn drove in two runs with two singles. Pitcher Vaught Justin also helped himself out by singling in a run.

The Black Hawks were able to get a run on the board from a delayed double steal as well. Chaparral starting shortstop Drew Wayland was the first reliever to come in after Davis’ outing.

The right-hander struggled early, but was able to get himself out of a big jam while only allowing two runs. Clarke Candiotti, Wayland and Davis’ battery-mate, saw the reliever battle early but was able to get him back on track.

“I saw a little lack of confidence with the fastball early from Drew, but I went out there and told him to step it up and just go right after the batter,” Candiotti said.

The Friday afternoon conference victory moves the Chaparral Firebirds to a 5-0-1 record, as they prepare for their next season game on March 7th, when they play at home against Verrado. As for Williams Field, its record dropped to 2-4. It will be hosting Kellis High school on March 7th.