By Don Ketchum

Pitcher Robby Pearson escaped a bases-loaded jam with no outs in the bottom of the sixth inning and Tucson Catalina went on to score twice in the top of the seventh for a 3-1 victory over Phoenix Greenway in a Class 4A Division II semifinal game on Friday (May 13) at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

Pearson struck out the side in the sixth and seventh innings as No. 6 seed Catalina advanced to Saturday’s (May 14) championship game against top-seeded Phoenix Thunderbird or No. 13 Cottonwood Mingus.

He also ignited the seventh-inning rally by leading off with a high chopper between the mound and second base for a base hit. T.J. Morales later hit an infield single, and Alex Meza ripped a double to drive them in.

“Robby always finds a way to get the job done,’’ said Catalina coach Tony Gabusi. “That’s been him all year.

“We’ve got one game to go and we’ve earned it. We’ve earned our chance.’’

Catalina’s top pitcher, Nicco Blank, will be on the mound in the title game.