Benedictine University Mesa opened the GSAC Playoff Tournament with a pair of games on Monday, falling in a tightly contested opener against Hope International before responding with a dominant victory over OUAZ to stay alive in postseason play.
Game 1: Hope International 3, Benedictine Mesa 0
The Redhawks were held scoreless despite putting together quality at-bats throughout the game, collecting eight hits but unable to break through against Hope International pitching.
Anthony Setticasi led the way offensively with three hits, including a double in the first inning, while Ben Schnurman added a pair of hits, including a double down the left-field line in the ninth to give BENU a late scoring opportunity. Jack Moore and AJ Fernandez also recorded hits as part of Benedictine Mesa's offensive effort.
Hope International opened the scoring with a solo home run in the third inning and added single runs in both the fourth and eighth innings to create separation. The Redhawks' pitching staff kept the game within reach, striking out nine and limiting Hope to four hits across the contest.
Benedictine Mesa threatened in the ninth inning, placing runners on second and third with two outs, but Hope was able to escape the jam and secure the shutout.
Game 2: Benedictine Mesa 10, OUAZ 1
Facing elimination, the Redhawks responded with an explosive offensive performance in game two, scoring in three different innings and overpowering OUAZ to advance in the GSAC Playoff Tournament.
After OUAZ scored a run in the top of the second inning, Benedictine Mesa answered in the fourth when Ben Schnurman launched a solo home run to left field to even the score. The Redhawks took the lead moments later with aggressive baserunning and situational hitting, highlighted by Tyler Jackson's sacrifice fly.
The fifth inning proved decisive as BENU erupted for five runs. Schnurman delivered the big blow of the inning with a three-run home run to left-center, his second of the game to break the season home run record, while Jonas Dyas added a two-run single to extend the Redhawks' advantage.
Benedictine Mesa continued to apply pressure in the eighth inning, adding three more runs. Jack Moore drove in a run with a triple to right-center, while Christian Ramos brought in a run with a bases-loaded walk. Two additional runs scored on wild pitches, showcasing the Redhawks' ability to capitalize on every opportunity.
The Redhawks' pitching staff was equally impressive, limiting OUAZ to just four hits while striking out nine. Benedictine Mesa did not allow a run after the second inning, shutting the door to secure the 10–1 victory and keep its postseason run alive.
Benedictine Mesa will continue its pursuit of a GSAC championship with momentum on its side following the emphatic rebound performance.
