Varsity Firebirds: Week 3 Recap & Week 4 Preview

The Firebirds improved to 9-5 on the season with two commanding wins against 5A opponents the Centennial Coyotes and the McClintock Chargers during week 3 of AIA action. They beat the Coyotes 7-0 at home on Mar 23 behind another dominant pitching performance from senior starter Devin Long (6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K) and junior closer Hunter Halvorson (1 IP 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K). Offensively, the Birds scored 7 runs on 5 hits, led by junior first baseman Anders Norgaard (3-3, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI). On Mar 26, the Firebirds continued their hot streak with a 10-1 win at home over the Chargers. Junior starter Grafton Marshall Inman (5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K) was in control before handing things off to junior Will Gnirk (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K) and senior closer Max Mangini (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K). The Birds were strong at the plate with 10 runs on 10 hits, including triples by sophomore Chase Solar (2-4, 1 R) and senior Tanner Anderson (1-3), as well as a double from junior Anders Norgaard (2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI). Next up, the Firebirds face regional rivals the Arizona College Prep Knights with an away game on Tuesday March 31 at 3:45 pm, and then a home game on Thursday April 2 at 6:00pm. Let's Go Birds!