Mortensen’s pitching keeps the game close in loss

The Trojans faced the division-leading Spring Valley team on Monday and lost 3-1. The Grizzlies (14-9 overall, 10-0 Sunset League) brought in pitcher Bryce Bullock, who three-hit Pahrump (20-8, 7-3) for the win.

Going into the game Pahrump played Clark (4-9, 3-7) on Thursday at home and won 7-2. They then faced the Sunrise division leader, Boulder City (17-8, 10-0 Sunrise) on Saturday and lost 4-2.

The pitching by Josh Mortensen (Yoshi) in the Spring Valley game kept the Trojans close. In the top of the third the Grizzlies were able to load the bases on three bunts in a row. Mortensen kept his cool and with the help of his defense was able to retire the side.

With bases loaded and no outs, the fourth Spring Valley batter hits a base hit to center. Dylan Ault fields the ball and throws the runner out at home to get the first out.

Mortensen then strikes out the next batter for out number two and the sixth batter flies to center to end the inning.

Coach Brian Hayes told his team at the top of the fourth, “Now is the time to get some hits. This could be a momentum changer.”

Pahrump was not able to do anything until the fifth and sixth innings though.

Hayes went on to name Mortensen as the player of the game for his efforts.

Hayes said Yoshi pitched a complete game, allowing only 3 runs and 8 hits, while striking out 4 with 2 walks.

The Trojans made some noise in the bottom of the fifth, Tyler Greene got on base on an error and then Rivera got on base on an error, but with no outs Parker Hart flied out, Shelton Cajudoy grounded out and Eddie Gonzalez grounded out to end the inning.

The Trojans also threatened in the bottom of the sixth when Kyle Kral hit a double. He was driven home by a base hit by Dylan Ault to score the only Trojans run.

Pahrump will be away today against fourth place Sierra Vista (8-15, 6-4) at 3:30 p.m.

Then on Friday the team will play Cheyenne (8-11, 2-8) at home at 3:30 p.m.

The game will also serve as a benefit for children battling cancer through the nonprofit, Go4theGoal Foundation.

The organization was founded in 2006 by Dr. Richard and Beth Stefanacci, soon after their oldest son Richard was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Go4theGoal provides children undergoing cancer treatment and their families with financial assistance, runs fun hospital-based programs, grants special wishes, and supplies state-of-the-art electronic products to children and pediatric oncology units across the country.

Since 2007, Go4theGoal has funded nearly $1 million in research. For the past three consecutive years, Go4theGoal has earned the honor of “Top Rated Non-Profit” by Great Nonprofits.

The team is hoping to have a local student throw out the first pitch and all proceeds from the sale of athletic gear near the gate will be donated to local families.

“We are hoping some of the proceeds from the gate will be donated to local families. We will be selling t-shirts, wrist bands, lanyards, arm bands and more at the game,” Hayes said.

He also added the money raised at the game will stay in the community.

In the game this Friday, you will notice Pahrump Valley donning shoelaces and other gear that is gold, the color for childhood cancer awareness, to raise awareness and money for children fighting cancer through the Go4theGoal Foundation.

For more information about Go4theGoal, please visit their website at Go4theGoal.org.