YUMA, Ariz. -- The Arizona Western College baseball team (7-1) notched its win streak to seven with a double-header sweep over Community Christian College on Friday afternoon at Walt Kammann Baseball Field.

Gerardo Castro powered the offense in game one, going a perfect 4-for-4 with a triple, double, two RBIs and two stolen bases. Arizona Western broke a scoreless tie in the third inning when Castro tripled home Ten Shindo, sparking a steady offensive surge.

The Matadors added runs in four consecutive innings, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from Brayden Hibler and a two-out RBI single from Castro. Shindo set the table at the top of the order, notching two hits, three runs scored, and two stolen bases. Aggressive baserunning kept Community Christian on its heels, with Arizona Western stealing nine bases and capitalizing on every scoring opportunity.

On the mound, Diego Alcala turned in a masterful performance, scattering three hits over six shutout innings with nine strikeouts and zero walks. Arizona Western pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts and issued no free passes, sealing the shutout and improving to 6-1 before the nightcap.

GAME TWO

In the second game, the Matadors wasted no time seizing control, building an early lead with a two-run rally in the first two innings. Elian Olmos anchored the lineup, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs, a double, and two stolen bases. Elias Huber reached base in all four plate appearances, driving in three runs and ending the game with a walk-off double in the fifth inning to invoke the mercy rule.

Luis Angulo supplied two hits, an RBI double and two runs scored, while Arizona Western drew four walks and was hit by six pitches to keep the bases crowded. The Matadors piled up eight stolen bases in just five innings, applying relentless pressure on Community Christian.

Gregorys Mateo earned the win with a complete game, allowing just two hits, striking out five and surrendering no earned runs over five innings. The pitching staff combined for 14 strikeouts and only one run allowed across both games, securing a dominant sweep and boosting the Matadors to 7-1 on the season.

Seth Hartley, who called the games on the Matador Sports Stream, caught up with head coach Jon Wente after game two and asked him how he feels about his Matadors after rattling off seven wins in a row.

"We're still trying to figure out our best lineup and roles on the pitching staff," Wente said. "I keep saying winning is hard in baseball and to win seven in a row is good, but we have to continue to get better."

Wente shared what he liked from his Matadors coming out of the double-header sweep of Community Christian College.

"Diego [Alcala] was electric on the mound," Wente said. "We struggled a little bit with our timing offensively, but Diego gave us a chance by putting up zeroes. Our offense eventually settled in and took some better at-bats. That carried on to game two. We have to play the game, not our opponent, no matter if it's Salt Lake or Community Christian."

Up Next

Arizona Western continues its home series against Community Christian College with another doubleheader Saturday, Feb. 7, beginning at noon and 2:30 p.m. at Walt Kammann Baseball Field. Seth Hartley will be on the call; both games will be broadcast on The Matadors Sports Stream.

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