By Nathaniel A. Lopez

  The Ray High School baseball team began its season on Feb. 24 with a game against San Tan Foothills.

  Ending the first inning behind by two runs, the point gap continued to grow as the Bearcats struggled to keep the Sabercats from bringing runners in. The game ended in San Tan’s favor, with a final score of 2-9. The boys’ team is scheduled to travel to Florence to compete in the 34th Annual Joe Padilla Tournament beginning on March 2.

  “We are going to be young,” head coach Alfred Lechuga commented, “Lots of talent, just lack of lots of fundamental baseball skills. We’re returning three pitchers from last year, so our pitching should be good.”

  The Lady ‘Cats’ season began yesterday with games against Baboquivari at home; results were unavailable at press time. They continue with games against Sequoia Charter on March 4 at home, and Anthem Prep on March 5 at Anthem Community Park.

Hayden

  The Hayden High School baseball and softball team kicked off their 2022 spring sports season yesterday, traveling to face St. David on their turf. Results from those games were unavailable at press time.

  The boys will continue their week by heading to Florence to compete in the 34th Annual Joe Padilla Tournament starting on March 2. The Lady Lobos will finish their starting week off with a home game against Bisbee on March 3, with a start time of 4 p.m.

  “We should be alright [this season]; we’ve only got two seniors, but they’re good boys,” commented head coach Robert Lorona. “Not only do I teach these boys in school, I teach them about life and baseball. We have a young team, but they’re excited and they love baseball. We always have a goal to do the best we can as ball players, and we are blessed to have an involved community, and a long tradition of pride.”