Pilot Pitching Delivers Two Shutout Wins Over Xavier

Carthage, Texas— In an electrifying doubleheader showdown, the Pilots baseball team showcased their dominance on the field, sweeping the Gold Rush of Xavier with scores of 2-0 and 7-0. With the two wins the Pilots move to an overall record of 21-2 and a conference record of 13-1. 

Game one unfolded as a tense pitchers' duel, with both teams locked in a scoreless battle through seven innings. The Pilots and the Gold Rush matched each other pitch for pitch, with stellar defensive plays keeping the game deadlocked. 

However, in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Pilots seized a breakthrough opportunity. Brandon Valdez ignited the offense with a clutch single through the left side, sparking hope for the home team. With momentum on their side, Vantrel Reed stepped up to the plate and delivered a game-winning blast over the left-center fence, securing the 2-0 victory for the Pilots. 

Isaac Rohde was the star of the game, going the distance on the mound with a masterful performance. Rohde dazzled with 11 strikeouts and surrendered just two hits, showcasing his dominance and resilience. 

Game two saw the Pilots come out swinging, determined to build on their success from the first matchup. Trevor Burkhart set the tone early, leading off with a solid hit and utilizing his speed to advance to third base. Brandon Valdez capitalized on the opportunity, driving in Burkhart with a sacrifice fly to give the Pilots a 1-0 lead. 

Jose Aquino added to the Pilot lead with a lead-off home run in the second inning, further solidifying their advantage at 2-0. 

The Pilots maintained their offensive pressure, adding another run in the fifth inning as Valdez once again came through with a sacrifice fly, bringing home Jose Sallorin. 

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Pilots exploded for four runs, extending their lead to an insurmountable 7-0 margin. Draven Zeigler delivered a stellar performance on the mound, pitching seven innings, racking up ten strikeouts, and allowing just two hits to stifle the Gold Rush offense. 

Jose Aquino and Trevor Burkhart led the charge at the plate, with Aquino going 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI, while Burkhart contributed with a hit and two runs scored. 

With their commanding performance in both games, the Pilots asserted their dominance and showcased their depth, leaving their mark on the field with two impressive victories over the Gold Rush. 

The Pilots will be back in action Monday March 18th as they face the Gold Rush of Xavier (LA) in the final game of the series. The first pitch is set for 3:00pm CT from Pilot Field in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

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