PHOENIX, AZ - The Aggies (2-1) returned to the field after a heartbreaking ending in their previous game against the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) Eagles (3-3). Taking the field against the College of Idaho Yotes (2-1) in their second game of the Coach Calderone Invitational immediately followed by their third game of the tournament against The Master's University Mustangs (4-1). 
The Aggies fell in another heart wrencher to the Yotes with a final score of 10-8 in the first game of the doubleheader before taking on the Mustangs. 

Panhandle State struggled to find the bats early against the Yotes. Only managed to get their first hit in the third. The Aggies would rely on the plate discipline of Luis Dermas to get their first run of the game. Which would start the Aggies' run of scoring five innings in a row. It was a little too late for the bats to get hot against the Yotes eight inning as three Aggies would cross home plate to bring them within two. The Aggie bats would go quiet in the bottom of the ninth and bring the Aggies to 0-2 on the season,

Looking to bounce back from a tough loss, Head Coach Shawn Joy looked to light a fire under the team as they got ready for their second game of the day against The Master's University Mustangs. The Aggies switched gears against the Mustangs as they totaled more than twice as many hits against the Mustangs (17) than they did in their previous two games combined (12). A complete effort from starting sophomore pitcher Colton Anderson as well as numerous Aggie hitters who racked up multi-hit games. Again the Aggies would put a crooked number up in the first however this time they refused to let the lead go through the nine innings. Looking to the bullpen to secure the Aggies' first victory of the 2022 season. 

Head Coach Shawn Joy was proud of the way the guys  bounced back from a tough loss and got their mind right for their second game of the day. Saying "the guys found a way to beat a very good team today. I'm proud of our effort and fight".

GAME 1

The Aggies struggled early on both sides of the field as the Yotes would take a 5-1 lead going into the third inning. A lead that seemed to lull the Aggies to sleep in their approach at the plate. 

Momentum would seem to swing in the Aggies' favor as senior UTL Zachary Madrigal belted the teams and his first home run of the year to bring the Aggies within two of the Yotes. 
Senior RHP Zeke Dougan (0-1) would notch the start in the first game of the doubleheader for the Aggies. Dougan finished his 2021 season totaling 45 strikeouts on fifty-two and a third innings pitched with thirteen appearances. Starting a little rough in his first outing on the season before settling down as the game progressed. Facing 27 batters in his four and a third innings pitched. Allowing ten hits, three walks, and managing four strikeouts. 

Dougan would be followed by freshman RHP Logan Malleck. Malleck would do his part on the mound, however with the help of defensive miscues the Yotes would extend their lead. Malleck would finish the game for the Aggies going four frames allowing only four hits. 

Despite being down early the Aggies would chip away at the Yotes lead inning by inning. Working from station to station to find some sort of rhythm at the plate. Scoring a single run every inning starting in the second and ending in the sixth. RBI hits from Cabrera, Hunt, Mora, Madrigal, and Hutchinson gave the Aggies a chance going into the final innings of the game.  

Newcomers Hunter Hutchinson and Jhonn Cabrera along with returning senior Zachary Madrigal led the offense in what seemed a down game at the plate for the Aggies. The three combined went 6 for 11 at the plate with four RBIs, four runs scored, and a single walk. 

Game 2

Looking to avoid a losing streak in the first week of their season the Aggies had to buckle down at the plate in order to give them the best chances of winning. LHP Colton Anderson would set the tone early for the Aggies as he would get three quick outs in the top of the first. The Aggie hitters would stay hot from there on out. Five Aggies would have multiple hits against the Mustangs giving them the win 16-12.

The highlight performances were that of starting pitcher Anderson as well as senior outfielder Ethan Hunt and freshman UTL Hunter Hutchinson. Hunt finished the game going 4 for 5 and being a triple away from a cycle. Hutchinson remains a focal point at the top of the Aggie order as he recorded 3 runs against the Mustangs. 

In the 2021 season Anderson (1-0) had mostly been a relief pitcher, however he has worked hard to get into the starting rotation for the Aggies. Finishing last year's campaign with a 9.37 ERA on seven appearances with eighteen strikeouts and a .270 opponent batting average. Anderson more than showed that he has improved his pitching arsenal against the Mustangs. Earning the win for his start going five and two-thirds innings while striking out eight. Allowing only four hits on twenty-six batters faced. 

Anderson was unable to do it alone however the Aggie bullpen came in behind him to finish the job. Corbin Yandell, Carl McKenzie, and Braeden Lejarraga came in to finish the game for the Aggies. Throwing  a combined effort of three and a third innings. Allowing seven hits on twenty-two batters faced. The Aggie bats would not let their lead slip away as every Mustang run was answered in the bottom half of the inning. 

The Aggies were adamant of not falling into a trap lead as they have done in their previous games. Throwing up five runs in the bottom of the first to set and maintain a tone for the rest of the game. Leading off the first inning with a double off the bat of Hutchinson further ignited the fire started by Head Coach Shawn Joy. The Aggies would go one to score in five of the eight innings they hit in. 

It is no doubt that the Aggies have their fair share of output from returners Hunt, Field, Madrigal, and Anderson. Yet, they seem to have struck gold with freshman Hutchinson and junior Cabrera. The Aggies would hit an astounding .447 batting average against the Mustangs. Having five extra base hits out of their seventeen total hits, fourteen RBIs, three walks, and only four strikeouts. 

The Aggies return to action for their last game of the Coach Calderone Invitational Saturday, January 29th at 10:00 AM MST against the Eastern Oregon University Mountaineers.