The Wildcats capped a strong week of play in the 1A Northeast Regional Baseball Tournament by winning the crown with a 10-run win over rival Mogollon in the title game.
Joseph City opened play in the regional tourney by hosting Beaver Dam on Tuesday afternoon and had little problems with the Diamondbacks, advancing with a 20-8 win.
After a slow beginning, the Wildcats hit the ball well in the second, third and fourth innings, scoring 19 of their 20 runs in those three frames.
Remington Baldwin went three for four and scored twice. Zachary Miller was two for four with two RBIs and scored four runs. Brannick Carlisle had a big day at the plate as he went four for four with a grand slam, a triple and a double, and collected seven RBIs. Robert Larsen also went four for four with a double and scored three runs. Wyatt Johnson was one for three with a double and scored three runs.
The first round win over Beaver Dam guaranteed the Wildcats a spot in the state tournament, which begins this weekend.
In the second round of the regional, the Wildcats met up with Northland Prep and advanced with a 16-9 win over the Spartans.
Joseph City started quickly with five runs through the first two innings to grab the lead and never trailed. Five more runs in the fourth were enough to seal the semifinal win and move the Cats into the title game on Saturday.
Taylor Pogue pitched a solid game, giving up just one earned run through five plus innings.
Brandon Massey led the charge at the plate, going three for four with a home run, three RBIs and scored three runs. Colton Spurlock was also three for four. Dallas Elmer went three for five and scored three runs. Carlisle was two for five with a home run, three RBIs and scored twice. Larsen also went two for five. Baldwin was one for four and walked once. His one hit was a home run with three RBIs.
In the championship game the Wildcats faced a Mustang team that had beaten them twice during the regular season.
“Even though we lost to them twice, the last time we played them in Heber was a close game, which gave us some confidence. Robert Larsen pitched a great game for us, giving up just two runs, only one earned, and our defense kept them scoreless in the final six innings. Also our six through nine hitters really came through, counting for three home runs and scoring seven runs,” said Wildcat Coach Eric Miller.
Spurlock led the way at the plate, going three for four with a pair of home runs, three RBIs and three runs scored. Cody Davis was two for four, with a home run and two RBIs. Baldwin and Miller were each three for four with doubles. Carlisle and Larsen were each two for four.
Carlisle was named the 1A Northeast Region Player of the Year for his efforts throughout the season.
The Wildcats enter the state tournament as the top seed from the North Region and will face either Bowie or San Simon in the first round of the state tournament at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 6, on the Southeast Field of the Tempe Diablo Complex g. With a win they would play in the quarterfinal round at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
