Baseball: Pride win Scottsdale Invitational

Mountain Pointe jumped out quickly and went on to post a 10-2 baseball victory in the title game of the Scottsdale Invitational at Highland High.

The outcome was decided early as Mountain Pointe (6-1) scored five runs in the first and amassed a 10-0 lead after three innings.

"We've been swinging it well so far," Mountain Pointe coach Brandon Buck said. "I'd say right now as a team we're hitting around .410 or 415. It hasn't just been one guy. It's a nice start."

It was a good day for a couple of Mountain Pointe Jakes. Left-hander Jake Dziubczynski won for the second time this week (beating Scottsdale Horizon, 6-3, on Monday). Dziubczynski pitched 4 2/3 innings Saturday and allowed one run, five hits and struck out six.

No. 3 hitter Jake Waldren knocked in runs in each of his first three at-bats in the first, second and third innings and finished the day 2-for-4. No. 2 hitter Ryan Klem scored three times, reaching on a walk, double and hit-by-pitch.

Highland starter Jarod Carter had a tough day. Carter faced only seven hitters and was tagged for four hits and two walks. Five of those base runners scored.

"We were fortunate having our No. 2 guy pitching today," Buck said. "They are getting ready for a power-point game (Tuesday) so you want your best to be ready for those games."

Mountain Pointe is averaging just a shade more than 10 runs per game in its first seven games. The Pride continue with another tournament next week during their spring break in the Saguaro tournament.

The Pride are competing in the McClintock Tournament this week, running through Thursday. They begin regular season play next week.