(GOODYEAR, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian baseball's fantastic 2024 run came to end on Saturday, as the Knights were eliminated in the state semifinal round by eventual champion Valley Christian. Freshman Micky Moran went 2-for-2 at the plate with a rbi in the tie-breaker, to finish the series 5-for-7 (.714) against the Trojans.

The Knights had plenty of opportunities to put runs on the board, compiling seven hits and five walks in the seven-inning affair, but struggled to convert down the stretch as Valley pulled away to collect the win.

The Trojans managed eight knocks in the game, but had some help from the sun, and four GCHS fielding errors.  

First baseman Jeremy Kuiper smashed his 14th and final double in the sixth inning against his former team. During his senior campaign, he hit .489, scored 51 runs, and posted 46 rbi for the Knights. Nine of his 43 hits were homeruns, and more than half (27) were extra-base knocks.

Nate Nielsen, Tyler Burr, Dane Coyle, and Zack Linker posted a hit apiece in the loss. Linker's two rbi single in the second gave the Knights a brief 2-1 advantage. 

A pair of freshman, Logan King and Moran, stepped up to pitch in the high-pressure showdown. They combined for six strikeouts (King-2, Moran-4), and walked four. 

Senior Tyler Steil drew a team-leading two walks at the plate in his final game as a Knight. Steil did it all for GCHS in 2024, hitting .384 with 21 rbi and 30 runs scored, while amassing a squad-best nine wins on the mound.

Valley Christian went on to run-rule Yuma Catholic 11-1 in the championship game.

The Knights end the year with an overall record of 16-7. The team will return 15 players next season, including seven 2024 freshman with varsity playing experience. 
 

-GO KNIGHTS-