Tyler Junior College Apaches demonstrated a potent offense, which led them to a 14-5 victory against Joliet on Tuesday under the direction of head coach Brett Doe. The Apaches achieved victory through their timely hitting, aggressive base running, and strong pitching, supporting their offense and extensive rotation.
TJC’s offense came alive early, striking first in the bottom of the first inning. Gabe Flores, infielder, received a walk with the bases full, which allowed Zack Zavala, infielder, to reach home plate after his base-on-ball and a successful steal of second base. M. Flisk hit a two-RBI single during the second inning, which led Joliet to score three runs and take a 3-1 advantage.
The Apaches answered back in the third inning when Micah Roberts’ double brought Levi Risenhoover in, cutting the deficit to 3-2. TJC seized control in the fourth inning with a five-run rally. Dalton Wilson’s RBI single tied the game, followed by a balk that brought Wilson to third and scored Landon Miller. Later, Roberts crushed a three-run homer, giving the Apaches a 7-4 lead. Flores capped off the inning with an RBI single to extend the lead to 8-4.
Joliet managed to add a run in the fifth inning, but TJC’s offense remained relentless. Miller’s sacrifice fly and Risenhoover’s bases-loaded walk pushed the lead to 10-5. Zavala’s daring steal of home capped off an aggressive inning on the basepaths. In the sixth, Josiah Mackey launched a solo home run, his first collegiate homer, adding to the offensive outburst. Mackey followed up with an RBI double in the seventh, and Clayton Brandon’s RBI single sealed the 14-5 final score.
On the mound, Brady Baker (1-0) earned the win with 2.1 innings of relief, allowing just one earned run while striking out one. Dillon Davenport, Jackson Jordan, and Jonathan Greve contributed to a solid pitching performance, combining five strikeouts and limiting Joliet’s offense.
Doe praised his pitchers for stepping up after limited recent in-game opportunities.
“Our pitching staff is intense with talent, and I felt like today highlighted this,” Doe said. “They competed well and pitched out of some big situations early in the game.”
Micah Roberts led the offensive explosion, going 2-for-4 with five RBIs, including a crucial three-run homer that shifted the game’s momentum. Mackey contributed significantly, finishing with two hits, two RBIs, and a home run. Flores also delivered key hits, including an RBI single in the fourth.
“Our offense got off to a slow start, but we found ways to get on base,” Doe said. “Nine different players scored, and multiple guys drove in runs, which speaks to the depth of our lineup.”
TJC’s aggressive base running kept Joliet’s defense on edge, with the Apaches stealing 13 bases. Zavala led the charge with three steals, while Wilson added two. Although TJC got picked off a few times, the aggressive approach disrupted Joliet’s pitchers and defense.
“We like to put pressure on opposing defenses,” Doe said. “We made a few aggressive mistakes, but our approach affected their command of the strike zone.”
With this victory, TJC continues its impressive early-season performance, showcasing depth in all areas of the game. Under Doe’s leadership, the Apaches will look to maintain their momentum in their next matchup as they build on this convincing win.
The Apaches will return to action at 1:00 p.m. on April 2 at Bossier Parish. Fans can check the full schedule and game updates by visiting ApacheAthletics.com.
