Cubs Edge Firebirds, 9-7

Box Score

May. 13, 2012

Cubs Edge Firebirds, 9-7

The eventual 2012 USSSA Best of the West champions, Phoenix Cubs, defeated the Arizona Firebirds, 9-7, Sunday morning at Peoria Sports Complex knocking our boys in red out of the tournament... but not without battle.

The Firebirds went up 1-0 in the top of the first inning after David Gutierrez was struck by a pitch and eventually scored on an RBI single by Cody Hopper. The Cubs responded with one run of their own in the bottom of the first to tie the score at one run apiece.

Following a scoreless second inning, the Firebirds rendered another run in the bottom of the second to give the bad guys a 2-1 edge.

But the Firebirds went back to work plating two runs in the third. With two outs, newcomer Carlos Brancamontes singled, stole second base, then scored on a double by Gutierrez. Gutierrez then scored on a single by Jaycob Bennett to give the Firebirds the 3-2 lead.

The Firebirds went up 4-2 in the top of the fourth inning after Ryan Hughes reached on a fielders choice and scored on a single by DJ Wyman. The Cubs re-took the lead, 6-4, in the bottom of the fourth inning then a 9-4 lead in the bottom of the fifth stanza after the Firebirds were held scoreless.

Not giving up hope, the Firebirds plated three more runs in the sixth and final inning - cut short because of time restraints. Bennett led off with a triple to deep left center and scored on a single by Hopper. With one out, Hughes singled advancing Hopper to third. After Hughes stole second, Lucas Wyant lined a double down the first base line to score Hopper and Hughes.

The Firebirds actually out-hit the Cubs, 10-8. Bennett, Brancamontes, and Hopper led the hit attack with two hits each while Gutierrez, Wyant, Wyman, and Hughes each had one hit.

Newcomer Mario Martinez started on the hill for the Firebirds but did not factor into the decision. Wyant, Brancamontes - who picked up the loss - Gutierrez, and Bennett all pitched in relief.

The Arizona Firebirds welcome Mario Martinez (L) and Carlos Brancamontes to the team

_________________________________________________________________________