MESA, Ariz. -- Senior Zach Quintana pitched the first four innings and kept the Jaguars from scoring any runs until the fourth inning, helping the Jackrabbits claim a 14-2 victory in their home opener Thursday.

“It feels really good how well we did today,” said Quintana. “We scored 14 runs, which is nuts.”

Not only did Quintana pitch well, he also collected an RBI.

This win was important to the Jackrabbits not only because they beat their rival, but they also had five sophomores starting on varsity.

Two of their varsity players were not at the game, so they put sophomores in for shortstop, second base, third base, and other outfield positions. Coach Ray Figueroa was proud of the sophomores he put in.

Figueroa said that Quintana threw a lot better this game than his last, but he knows he can do even better and is just getting warmed up.

“He is so much better than what he played today,” said Figueroa. “Once he figures it out and gets back in the groove, he will be fine.”

Senior Armando Cardenas revealed a little bit about the method to their success and what keeps the team so close. Cardenas was unfortunately not able to play due to transfer rules.

“A big part of our success is the energy we have and the comradery that we have makes us successful,” said Cardenas. “Always keeping up the energy and always trusting your teammates to get the job done so we can come out with a win.”

The Jackrabbits hope this win will be a good way to kick off their season and to keep their success going. They play Copper Canyon at home Friday and play in a tournament on Saturday at Campo Verde.