Mesa, Ariz. - The College of Idaho baseball team kicked off its season with a competitive showdown against Park-Gilbert, ultimately falling 10-7 in a game filled with momentum swings.
The game remained scoreless through three innings as both teams showcased strong pitching and defensive play. Yotes starter Oliver Massie kept Park-Gilbert off the scoreboard early, striking out five batters in three innings of work. Darren Smith delivered a highlight-reel defensive play, tracking down a deep fly ball in right field to save a potential extra-base hit.
Park-Gilbert broke the deadlock in the fourth, capitalizing on an error to take a 1-0 lead. They followed up with an explosive fifth inning, adding four more runs to extend their advantage.
The Yotes answered back in the seventh when Evan Brown crushed a three-run home run to left field, cutting the deficit to 5-3. In the eighth, Cannon Morgan added a sacrifice fly, and Smith laced a two-run double, keeping the Yotes within striking distance. However, Park-Gilbert responded with two insurance runs in the bottom half of the inning to secure the win.
Despite the loss, the Yotes showcased resilience and offensive firepower, with Smith (3-for-4, 2 RBIs) and Brown (2-for-4, 3 RBIs) leading the way at the plate.
The Yotes continue the series tomorrow, with first pitch scheduled for 10:00 a.m. MT.
