Benedictine University Mesa dropped a hard-fought, high-scoring battle to Hope International, 11–10, in the GSAC Tournament Championship game on Wednesday, as the Redhawks rallied late but came up just short in the final inning.
The Redhawks wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard in the top of the first inning. Anthony Setticasi and AJ Fernandez opened the frame with singles, setting the stage for Ben Schnurman, who delivered a two-run double to center field. Christian Ramos followed with an RBI single to give Benedictine an early 3–0 advantage.
Hope International answered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first and then took the lead in the second inning with a four-run frame. Benedictine stayed within striking distance, scoring an unearned run in the top of the second when Tyler Jackson crossed the plate on a passed ball to cut the deficit to 6–4.
After several scoreless innings, Benedictine pushed across two runs in the sixth inning to tighten the game once again. Jackson singled to start the rally, and runs came home on a fielder's choice and a throwing error, pulling the Redhawks within one at 7–6.
The decisive rally appeared to come in the top of the seventh. Schnurman ignited the inning with a solo home run to left field, followed by triples and doubles from Oliver Davies, Ramos, and Jackson. Jackson's two-run double highlighted a four-run outburst that gave Benedictine a 10–7 lead.
Hope International responded in the bottom of the seventh with three runs to knot the score at 10–10, scoring on a pair of RBI singles. The game remained tied through the eighth inning before Hope International walked it off in the bottom of the ninth with a solo home run.
