Sidewinders' state baseball run comes to an end

PHOENIX - San Luis baseball's impressive run in the 5A Division II state tournament came to an end against Desert Ridge on Tuesday. 

The No. 12-seeded Sidewinders jumped out to a 2-0 lead against future Arizona State pitcher Jake Barrett, but could only muster one hit after that in an eventual 10-2 loss at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. 

"The score wasn't indicative of the way the game went," San Luis coach Cesar Castillo said. "We ran into great pitching and (Barrett) stopped us."

Barrett gave up walks to the first two batters, who were then bunted over to second and third base in the top of the first inning.

Another walk loaded bases, before Heriberto Ron's sacrifice fly scored Alvaro Palomares. Alejandro Garcia then scored on wild pitch and added a single later in the game for the Sidewinders' only hit.

But Desert Ridge struck for three unearned runs off San Luis starter Raul Vasquez in the bottom of the inning to claim the lead for good. The Jaguars added two more in second and were held scoreless into the sixth, before tacking on five more runs against the Sidewinders' bullpen.

Seven seniors played their final game for San Luis, which finished the season 17-14 overall.

"We had a great run, and even though a lot of people counted us out to even make the playoffs, I think we did a lot for San Luis," Castillo said. "I hope we can do it again next year."