MESA, Ariz. – The Benedictine University Mesa baseball team fell to the University of Antelope Valley Pioneers, 4-3, on Friday afternoon at Hohokam Stadium. The Redhawks finish their Cal Pac tournament record going 2-2 with losses from Simpson University and the University of Antelope Valley while picking up wins over Westcliff University and Simpson University. The Redhawks finish with a 42-12 overall record for the 2023 season.
 
Both teams went through three scoreless innings to start the game. Benedictine left five on base in the first three while Antelope left two on base before bringing in a run to score in the fourth. UAV would score again in the seventh before BenU would answer and tie the game in the top of the eighth. UAV put up two runs in the bottom of the eighth and would keep the lead through the final frame to take the win.
 
Kevin Fitzgerald went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one walk. Dylan Bangs went 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI in the game. Ryan Curran went 4-for-5 with one run scored. Carlos Parra went 2-for-4 with one run scored as well.
 
Jared Cruce and Carlos Soto combined for 6 strikeouts while allowing 11 hits and only four runs.
 
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The Redhawks await to see if they will qualify for an at large bid to the NAIA National Tournament. Opening rounds for the National Tournament will be held through May 15-18 at various locations. The World Series will be held at Lews-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho on May 26 - June 2.