With the 2A playoffs beginning last week, the Cowboys baseball team picked up right where it left off.
Heading into the second week of the postseason, Camp Verde is currently on a 12-game winning streak.
The Cowboys ended their regular season on a high note as the Cowboys defeated Scottsdale Prep 6-3 on Tuesday, April 23.
With the win, Camp Verde finished the year at 19-7.
Camp Verde opened up its state run with a bang as the Cowboys defeated Miami 10-4 on Friday, May 3.
“Everyone rallied around each other and our pitching was very strong to open the playoffs,” Camp Verde coach Will Davis said. “I am also impressed with how well we hit the ball.”
One day later, the Cowboys kept its postseason hopes alive by defeating Thatcher 7-4 on Saturday, May 4.
“Our defense was very solid, there were some nerves to start but we were able to settle in to our game,” Davis said. “We have been lights out once we have found our rhythm and gotten into the flow of the game.”
Dakota Battise led the Cowboys with three hits and two runs.
“I would like to give Battise a game ball for his leadership and his solid pitching last week,” Davis said. “He is more than willing to do all of the little things that help this team succeed.”
“Battise and the rest of the seniors have been stepping up and playing big for us.”
Sophomore Mason Rayburn earned the win and struck out three batters in 1.2 innings.
“Mason is like the Energizer Bunny because he is all over the place,” Davis said. “Whether he is making plays defensively or hyping up the team, Mason has been instrumental to our success this year.”
With the win, Rayburn improves to 2-0 this season.
Dawson McCune pitched 5.1 innings and recorded a 2.62 earned run average.
McCune struck out three batters, allowed six hits and walked two Thatcher batters.
“After the win, I told the kids to remain focused and to take the playoffs one game at a time,” Davis said. “We are going to practice hard this week and give it our best shot again next weekend.”
Davis singled out senior Dominiq Bruno for his exceptional play last week.
“Bruno did a great job behind the plate in both of our matches,” Davis said. “He kept our opponents
from running and was also great for us offensively.”
Up next for the Cowboys is a date with Scottsdale Christian on Friday, May 10.
“We are going to need the baseball gods to shine on us a little bit on Friday,” Davis said. “We will try to pressure their defense just like we have been doing all season.”
Scottsdale Christian is currently 23-1-1 this season.
“Lastly, we will need a lights-out performance from our pitchers on Friday,” Davis said. “We know who is starting but we do not want to put it out there yet.”
The Eagles are currently riding a 21-game winning streak into this matchup and are the top-seed in the 2A tourney.
The Cowboys will emphasize hitting off-speed pitches in preparation for Scottsdale Christian.
“I know their number one is very tough to hit as he uses a lot of these pitches along with sharp breaking balls,” Davis said. “We are really going to focus on controlling those pitches in anticipation for Friday.”
Davis credits his coaching staff for helping the Cowboys get to the position they are currently in.
“These guys have been putting in a lot of work since the offseason and have always made themselves available for the kids,” Davis said. “Coach Kevin Thornhill is there early every practice and is available if the kids want to practice
on weekends.”
Assistant coach Nate Jackson is the Camp Verde’s swiss army knife as he serves as the junior varsity coach, head assistant and pitching coaching.
“Coach Jackson wears a lot of hats for our baseball program and he does it very well,” Davis said.
Davis also singled out coach Bryan Pelfrey for his contributions to the baseball program.
“You do not see Coach Pelfrey on the field but he does all the little things for us,” Davis said. “He works extremely hard for all the kids and we really appreciate is commitment and knowledge for the game,” Davis said.
The 2A playoffs are held at the Goodyear Baseball Complex and will take place until May 13.
