Hannah Baskins is an ASU Cronkite student assigned to cover Queen Creek High School for AZPreps365.com

Queen Creek beat Horizon 8-3 on Wednesday at Corona del Sol High School, using early offense and a complete-game performance on the mound to secure the win.

Queen Creek took control in the first inning. Arizona State commit shortstop Jet Berry led off with a solo home run to center field, immediately setting the tone. Later in the inning, right fielder Kobe Gomez added a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 2-0.

“First-inning runs are always really big,” Berry said. “It kind of sets the tone for the game. Whether it’s a home run or just scoring, it’s huge for momentum.”

The Bulldogs’ aggressive approach at the plate carried throughout the game, consistently putting pressure on Horizon’s pitching staff and forcing mistakes in key moments.

Third baseman Grant Pratt said the early power display had a ripple effect on the rest of the lineup.

“When you hit a home run, it shows the pitcher isn’t unhittable,” Pratt said. “It can take away some of their confidence and give the next guys up more confidence that they can do the same.”

Horizon answered in the bottom of the second inning when first baseman Hunter Walker hit a solo home run to left field, briefly cutting into the deficit.

Queen Creek responded again in the third inning, as first baseman Frank Gearhart launched a solo home run to right field. The swing not only restored the Bulldogs’ cushion but also energized the dugout.

“It hyped up the team, especially since it was my first at-bat after transferring,” Gearhart said.

The Bulldogs extended their lead in the fourth inning with a three-run frame that effectively put the game out of reach. Pratt opened the inning with a solo home run to right field. 

Later in the inning, Gearhart drove in a run on a groundout, and another run scored on a Horizon error, highlighting Queen Creek’s ability to capitalize on defensive miscues.

Horizon added a run in the fifth inning on a solo home run to right by left fielder Johnny Issitt, but the Huskies failed to generate sustained offense against the Bulldog’s pitching.

Queen Creek head coach Mikel Moreno credited his team’s disciplined approach at the plate and overall execution in all phases of the game.

“We just had better at-bats — more complete and competitive,” Moreno said. “It was a good day offensively and defensively, and Ty (Pitcher Tyke Daniels) did a great job on the mound.”

Daniels, a Yavapai Community College commit, delivered a complete-game performance to earn the win for Queen Creek. The right-hander allowed three runs on six hits over seven innings while striking out seven. 

Daniels maintained control throughout the outing, limiting Horizon’s opportunities and working efficiently through the lineup.

Horizon starter Rio Ryu struggled to contain the Bulldog’s offense, allowing six runs, four earned, on four hits over 3 1/3 innings. He also struck out two and walked four.

Arizona State commits second baseman Jordan Ransom, catcher Manny Hoyos and Berry, along with Pratt, Tosh Schneider and Gearhart each recorded a hit for Queen Creek, showcasing the team’s balanced offensive production. 

Hoyos and Gearhart both drove in two runs to lead the Bulldogs.

Daniels also contributed at the plate, drawing two of Queen Creek’s seven walks as the team demonstrated patience and discipline against Horizon pitching.

Defensively, Queen Creek played a clean game and did not commit an error. Hoyos led the team with five chances in the field, anchoring a steady defensive effort behind Daniels.

Walker drove in two runs for Horizon, finishing 1-for-2, while shortstop Jackson Weber led the Huskies with two hits in three at-bats.

With the win, Queen Creek continues to build momentum as it heads into its next matchup. 

The Bulldogs are scheduled to face Highland on March 31.