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Superior’s Daniel McConnell (#15) pitched a total shutout against San Manuel. Photo by Phalicitee ‘Pinky’ Thomas
Superior junior Daniel McConnell threw a complete-game shutout to earn his win of the season in the Panthers’ 7 – 0 victory against visiting San Manuel last Thursday.
The southpaw starter scattered six hits across seven innings without allowing a run or issuing a walk while fanning nine Miners’ batters during an efficient 82-pitch outing.
“He threw lights out,” Superior head coach Manuel Ortega said about his left-hander. “San Manuel is a great hitting team and he shut them out.
“All of his pitches were working for him and he kept them off balance. He was very effective and executed (his pitches).”
Following a scoreless first couple of innings, Superior tallied two runs in the third, a single run in the fourth, and four more in the seventh, but McConnell needed only one of those runs to secure the Panthers’ fifth win of the season against 2A San Manuel that had won five of its first six games.
“Our defense finally played like they’re supposed to and had (McConnell’s) back,” said Ortega.
Senior Gabriel Garcia and junior Gabe Castillo had two hits a piece while a third “Gabe”, Gabe Otero, a junior, doubled for the Panthers’ lone extra-base hit in the game.
McConnell and freshman Matthew Cruz each had base hits in game for Superior.
Superior up next: Mar. 20 at Ray and Mar. 26 vs. Arete Prep. Both games are scheduled for 4 p.m.
San Manuel up next: Mar. 20 vs. San Miguel, Mar. 21 at St. Augustine and Mar. 26 at Globe. All games are scheduled for 4 p.m.
Javy Tamayo (#3) pitches against Superior. Photo by Phalicitee ‘Pinky’ Thomas
Superior’s southpaw Daniel McConnell (#15) at bat against San Manuel. Photo by Phalicitee ‘Pinky’ Thomas
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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