Bailey Leasure is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Campo Verde High School for AZPreps365.com.

GILBERT, Ariz — The Campo Verde Coyotes opened up conference play with a 3-2 loss to the Highland Hawks on Tuesday. 

The Coyotes struggled to hit the ball, collecting only two runs on three hits. 

Team captain Isaiah Lopez noticed that the team was being more patient at the plate than planned. 

“I think when we are in our situational hitting, we have to capitalize on those kinds of things,” Lopez said. “Our bats were kind of quiet and we weren’t swinging them enough.”

Lopez collected two of the three hits for the Coyotes, including a double. He credits his success at the plate with working the count. 

“We’ve seen this pitcher in the past and it definitely helps,” Lopez said. “Just trying to work off some pitches as you can until he lays one down again was crucial.” 

Head coach Shawn Dukes hopes hitters will be more aggressive in their next game. 

“We need to work the counts as much as we can to work them in our favor,” Dukes said. “However, we need to be more aggressive when they’re throwing fastballs right down the middle.” 

The Coyotes opened up the scoring in the bottom of the first inning with a bases-loaded walk from right fielder Kyle Mentzer. This lead would hold until the Hawks tied up the game with a two-out hit off pitcher Ryan Schiefer in the fourth inning. 

Throughout the game, Schiefer’s pitching was one of the strengths in the game for Campo Verde, as he finished the game with seven strikeouts and three runs allowed in six innings.

The Coyotes regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth after third baseman Tyson Mesa hit a double and scored on a wild pitch while attempting to steal third. 

The lead didn't hold up long. The Hawks scored two runs with two outs in the inning off Schiefer to take the lead. 

Schiefer took positives out of his performance on the mound but said there are things he need to work on for his next start. 

“There’s definitely room to improve on,” Schiefer said. “I had a good start in the game but missed on some locations toward the end.”

Despite the loss, Dukes was proud of his team's effort. 

“Our kids played a hell of a game, but it just didn’t come our way,” Dukes said. “I think almost every game we play is going to be this close due to the conference we play in.” 

Campo Verde’s next game will be at home against the Sunrise Mountain Mustangs on Thursday.