Fifteenth ranked Winslow welcomed in sixth ranked Holbrook on Tuesday afternoon and through six innings the Bulldogs were in control of the game. Winslow’s Ricardo Villanueva had allowed just two runs on only three hits before reaching his pitch count limit of 105 set by AIA rules.

Holbrook bats struggled against the Bulldog ace but once he had to leave the hill due to pitch count the Roadrunners quickly took advantage. The Birds trailed 5-2 after six, but scored three in the top of the seventh to force extra innings, then scored two more in the top of the eighth to win the east region contest 7-5.

Freshmen Sonny Wilbanks came on in relief for Villanueva and gave up five runs in two innings of work on only three hits.

Winslow got to Holbrook pitching early scoring four runs in the first inning to get the upper hand. Holbrook scored once in the top of the second and again in the top of the fifth but trailed 5-2 at that point.

At the dish Winslow was led by Jacob Guerrero who went 3 for 3; Jalen Lyons was 2 for 4, with a double and 2 RBI; AJ Huerta went 1 for 4, with a double; Daniel Vizcaya was 1 for 3, reached twice on errors and stole three bases; and Villanueva went 1 for 4.

On the hill Vallanueva faced 26 Holbrook batters striking out seven and gave up four walks. He allowed the two runs, unearned, on three hits. Wilbanks faced 14 batters giving up five runs, four earned on three hits with two strikeouts and also walked four.

For the Roadrunners Gabe Gabaldon went 2 for 3; Justin Perkins was 2 for 4, with a double; Michael Queiruga was 1 for 3, with a double; and Ryan Short was 1 for 4.

On the hill Jalen Nez worked five and two-thirds innings giving up five runs on 10 hits with seven strikeouts and walked one. Cole McDaniel pitched two and one-third innings allowing just one hit with four strikeouts and walked two.

With the win Holbrook improved to 11-1. Winslow drops to 7-6. Both teams were in action Thursday through Saturday at the Wolves Classic held in Goodyear.

Holbrook returned to region play on Tuesday when they hosted Blue Ridge. Winslow also returned to region play on Tuesday with a home tilt against Snowflake.