MESA, Ariz. – Hope International secured a 15-11 victory over Arizona Christian in a high-scoring battle that forces the if game at the GSAC Baseball Tournament held at Hohokam Stadium. The game featured explosive offensive performances and momentum-shifting rallies from both teams.

Hope International struck in the second inning when Spencer Davis singled to left field, driving in the first run of the game. The Royals extended their advantage in the third inning with a two-run home run by Matthew Pinal, and a two-RBI single from Josiah Chavez.

Arizona Christian responded in the fifth inning with a four-run surge, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Trey Tarver and an RBI single from Kane Kiaunis, cutting the deficit to 5-4.

Hope International regained control in the sixth inning as Pinal delivered a three-run double. They added three more runs in the seventh, including a two on a single from Julian Francois and another with a hit by David Shackelford.

Arizona Christian mounted a dramatic comeback in the bottom of the seventh, scoring seven runs to tie the game at 11-11. The rally featured RBI singles from Tarver and Jared Anderson, along with a two-RBI single from Tanner Vielguth.

Hope International answered in the eighth inning with a sacrifice fly from Chavez, regaining a 12-11 lead. The Royals sealed the victory in the ninth when Colby Moran delivered a bases-clearing single, securing the final 15-11 score.

Pinal finished the game 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, and five RBIs. Moran contributed three RBIs on two hits, while Chavez added three RBIs. Arizona Christian’s Tarver stood out with a 3-for-6 performance, including a double and three RBIs, while Vielguth drove in two runs.

Chander De Jong earned the win, pitching 1.2 scoreless innings in relief. Pinal worked a perfect ninth inning to secure the victory.

The win forces a second game between the two teams at 3:30 p.m. to determine the champion of the tournament.