Varsity Firebirds: Boras Classic Recap & Week 3 Preview

The Firebirds had a strong showing all week during the Boras Baseball Classic of Arizona, going 2-2 and coming up short in the semifinal game against the Millennium Tigers. On Wednesday, March 18, the Firebirds beat the Riverton (Utah) Silverwolves 4-0 behind another strong pitching performance from senior Devin Long (6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 8 K) and senior reliever Max Mangini (1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 K). The offense was led by senior Tanner Anderson (1 H, 1 R) and junior Anders Norgaard (1 H, 1 R, 1 RBI). The Firebirds followed that on Thursday, March 19 against the Red Mountain Mountain Lions, winning 6-2. Junior pitcher Grafton Marshall Inman (6.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 8 SO) dominated and senior reliever Max Mangini shut the door getting the final out. The bats were balanced with 6 players collecting 1 hit each on the day. In the tournament semifinal game on Friday, March 20, the Firebirds fell to the Millennium Tigers 7-15, as the Tiger bats proved to be a difficult match up. Offensively, the Firebirds were led by sophomore Chase Solar (3-2, 2 R, 1 RBI) and sophomore Jack Reanier hit a no-doubt homerun. In their final game of the tournament on Saturday March 21, the Firebirds could not hold on to the lead against the La Cueva (New Mexico) Bears, losing 7-9. Junior starting pitcher Will Gnirk collected 10 K's in 4 innings, and sophomore Chase Solar (3-3, 2 RBI, 1 R) and senior Bo Shuba (2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI) led the way for the Firebirds at the plate. This week, the Firebirds have 2 home games: Monday, March 23 they face the Centennial Coyotes at 6:00 pm, and then the McClintock Chargers on Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 pm. Come out to legendary Jerry Dawson Field and support your Firedbirds!