The first round of D1 conference play has concluded, and Central Arizona College now heads into conference DII play. The season concludes with the all important and tension filled DI series' to determine post-season stature and seedings. 

The Vaqueros ended round one at 5-5 in conference play and 19-5 overall with a sweep of the Gila Monsters of Eastern Arizona Saturday.

"It just seems like we've been on the wrong end of these walk-offs" said head coach Anthony Gilich. "Hopefully they start equalling out." Although it was the top of the seventh, you could consider it a walk-off. YOU know what I mean.

Liam Spence bounded one through the right side to score Brett Harris after he had doubled with one out in the top of the seventh in game one, and Jake Vander Wal roped a two-out single to center scoring Spence for a Vaqueros 5-4 lead. Spence had advanced to second on the throw to try and nail Harris at the plate. Gilich brought in starter RJ Dabovich and he threw a hitless 7th for the Central win.

The final was 5-4.

Nick Trogerlic-Iverson threw a nice five giving up four runs, all in the fifth inning. Central held a 3-0 lead up until that point.

"He actually pitched pretty good" said Gilich. "They had two dribbler singles and a walk with a double to the wall that plated three runners, so it was pretty weird."

Alix Garcia doubled, singled twice, stole a base, and scored as he continues to rip everything in sight. Matt Dalke did what he does in the sixth with no hits and a strikeout, and starter RJ Dabovich "was available" for the seventh and he closed it out.

With improvement each and every start, Jason Nelson threw a masterpiece in game two. Six innings, ten please-sit down-sirs, one inconsequential walk and two singles. It was a sight to see. 

It was a run-rule 12-0 shutout.

"I had this hunch it would be a good matchup for Cervantes" said Gilich.

Hm. Quijote!

(Only the parents will get that reference).

Daniel Cervantes doubled, homered twice, scored three times, and drove in five runs on the day. Hunch away coach. Ernny Ordonez doubled, going three for four and scoring twice. Garcia scored twice, Luke Schwartz drove in two with a late single, and Brett Harris hit another double.

The Vaqueros face Benedictine College in this week's doubleheader before traveling to Glendale Community College this coming Saturday.