Posted: Apr 02, 2026
Walk-Off Seals the Deal in GateWay Victory Over Mesa
It came down to the wire on Tuesday at The Gene, as GateWay grabbed the victory in walk-off fashion, 5-4, over Mesa. The game was tied at four in the bottom of the tenth when Henry hit a solo home run to right field. The Geckos got on the board in the first inning after Maize singled, scoring one run. They added one run in the second when Mesa an error, making the score 2-0. GateWay added another run in the third thanks to Hubert hitting a sacrifice fly, making the score 3-0. The Thunderbirds took the lead, 4-3, in the top of the fifth after doubles by Aguirre, and Linkmeyer. Hubert hit another sacrifice fly, which helped GateWay tie the game at four in the bottom of the ninth.
Sluiter pitched five and one-third innings in relief for GateWay. The pitcher gave up five hits and zero runs while, striking out four and walking two. Tromp started on the mound for the Geckos and Hesse stepped on the hill first for Mesa. The starter allowed six hits and three runs (two earned) over six innings, striking out eight and walking three.
The Geckos collected 12 hits in the game. Bartle, Henry, Meister, Maize, and Mallee each collected two hits. Hubert led the team with two runs batted in. Bartle and Lacelle each stole multiple bases. GateWay ran wild on the base paths, collecting eight stolen bases for the game. They turned two double plays in the game and were sure-handed and didn't commit a single error.
Thunderbirds Unable To Overcome Gecko's Late-Game Surge
The Geckos beat the Thunderbirds 10-9 on Wednesday after taking the lead late in the game. GateWay was down 9-8 in the bottom of the eighth inning when Warman singled, scoring two runs. Despite falling down by five runs in the fifth inning, Mesa tried to fight back. The Thunderbirds closed the gap by scoring three runs in the sixth and four runs in the seventh. GateWay opened the scoring in the second after Lacelle doubled, scoring two runs. The Geckos added one run in the third when Hubert walked, making the score 3-0. Mesa took the lead in the top of the eighth scoring two runs, to give the Thunderbirds the advantage, 9-8.
Kao started the game for GateWay. The starting pitcher gave up three hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out seven and walking two. Geary stepped on the hill first for Mesa. He gave up seven hits and four runs (three earned) over four innings, striking out three and walking three. Foley threw one and two-thirds innings of shutout ball for GateWay in relief to earn the win. The right-handed pitcher allowed two hits, striking out two and walking none.
The Geckos collected 14 hits in the game. Bartle and Hubert were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected three hits while hitting back-to-back. Hubert and Warman each drove in three runs for GateWay. Lacelle collected two hits in four at bats. The Geckos had a strong eye at the plate, accumulating nine walks for the game. Bartle and Maize led the team with two bases on balls each. Bartle and Barnard each stole multiple bases for and the team combined for seven stolen bases in the game.
Next up for GateWay is a home series versus the Fighting Artichokes of Scottsdale. First pitch on Friday is at 3pm, first pitch on Saturday is at 12 noon.
