James Franks is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Higley High School for AZPreps365.com

The Higley Knights took care of the Betty Fairfax Stampede early Tuesday night with a three-run first inning and went on to win, 6-2, in the season opener for both teams.

The Stampede threatened the Knights by scoring two runs in the third inning off of an RBI groundout by Isaac Balderas and a sacrifice fly by Daniel Martinez, but Higley was able to immediately respond on an RBI triple by Jake Willerup in the bottom half of the inning to cushion the lead.

Junior Tyler Deskins had a strong starting pitching performance for Higley, allowing two runs and recording four strikeouts in four innings.

Betty Fairfax senior Damien Tipton was responsible for all six of Higley’s runs. He threw for three innings while facing five batters in the fourth inning. 

The scoring started for Higley on a sacrifice fly by Tyler Deskins. Jake Willerup later scored on a single by Michael Ojeda, who stole home during the next at bat.  

Defensive mistakes cost the new Stampede team the game as they gave up two double steals and committed an error in the first inning. 

“It’s the first game and we can get a little sloppy in those first games,” Fairfax coach Mike Greene said. 

The Phoenix Union High School District did not allow the Betty Fairfax team to have its first practice until March 1, Greene said.

“I feel like we have come a long way in our 12 practices,” he said.    

Higley scored their final two runs in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Cole Monsen and an RBI double by Justin Chambers. 

Knights coach Terry Dietz went with Mark Fernandez out of the bullpen to pitch the final three innings and earn the save. Fernandez shut out the Stampede, allowing only one hit and a walk while recording two strikeouts. 

Fernandez was proud of his performance and his team’s efforts. 

“Overall, I went more for targeting spots (in the strike zone) rather than (increasing pitch) velocity,” he said. “I trust my defense behind me to make the plays.”

Fernandez is putting in the maximum effort for the new 2021 season while adjusting to a change of scenery.

“I transferred here from California,” he said. “I feel, due to having last season being taken away from me, that I am going to make my last season my best.” 

Dietz also liked what he saw from his team. 

“We (Higley) are a complete team,” he said. “It gives us what we need to go through.”  

While Tuesday’s game was the first for both teams this season, the coaches for the Knights and the Stampede see opportunities for improvement. 

“We (Betty Fairfax) need to work on our defense,” Greene said. “We cannot give up big innings.”

Dietz also noticed an opportunity to fix a problem within the team performance. 

“I think there's always work to be done,” he said. “Our bats could have been better. All in all, I'm pretty happy with the boys and happy with the energy.”   

Higley will host Paradise Valley (1-1) at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Betty Fairfax plays its next game at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday when the Stampede hosts Washington.