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 Metro Tech Knights early by batting around twice Tuesday in the first inning and scoring 14 runs. 

Higley (4-0) went on to win 22-0 in a five-inning mercy rule. The Knights have opened the 2021 season by outscoring their four opponents, 72-3. 

The scoring started for Higley on an RBI triple by Cody Mowers to make the score 2-0. Jake Willerup  followed with an RBI triple of his own. The Higley lineup continued to reach base in the first inning through a combination of singles, doubles, multiple stolen bases and two errors. 

The frequent scoring caused Metro Tech coach Jesse Poweziak to go to his bullpen after the second out of the first inning. 

Cole Monsen started on the mound for Higley. Monsen held Metro Tech (0-2) scoreless for the first three innings, allowing one hit and three walks while striking out five batters. 

After Higley's offensive surge in the first inning, coach Terry Dietz elected to sub in the majority of his bench players for the remainder of the game. Dietz also allowed his players to try playing in different positions. Pitcher Mark Fernandez spent one inning playing first base and another inning in left field.

Despite the lopsided score in their favor, Dietz saw an aggressive mentality from his players for the rest of the game. 

“The energy stayed up as it should be,” he said. “A lot of guys took different opportunities that they don't normally get. It was good to see those guys do a lot with those opportunities and cash in.” 

One Higley Knight that cashed in on the opportunity to play was Dylan Mendez. Mendez is usually an outfielder but Dietz decided to let him take care of the final two innings on the pitcher's mound.  

Mendez enjoyed the opportunity to play one of his old positions where he struck out four batters and did not give up a hit. 

“I wanted to go out there and have some fun,” he said. “It (returning to pitching) is something you have to get used to and it was fun to be out there.” 

Mendez wants to work on improving his offspeed pitches and was impressed with his fastball, he said. 

Metro Tech players also had an opportunity to shine during the game. After playing first base for the first two innings of the game, Edgar Contreras was sent to the mound. In his two innings of pitching, he struck out three batters. 

Even with the loss, Poweziak saw positive progress from his Metro Tech team. 

“Our performance was a lot better than the last game (against Cactus Shadows),” he said. “We took better at-bats. There's a lot for us to learn still but we're making improvements.” 

While the game ended in a victory for Higley, Dietz always sees an opportunity for his team to improve. 

“It's those things that we preach every single day,” he said. “It’s playing fundamentally sound baseball.  That way you have the opportunity to play the game within the game when situations arise.”

The win puts Higley in second place in the 5A San Tan region.  Higley will host Arcadia at 6 p.m. Wednesday. 

Metro Tech travels to Central High School to face the Bobcats at 3:45 p.m. Friday.