A great start against one of the country’s top baseball programs wasn’t enough for Valley Christian.

A five-run first inning against Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas looked promising until the Gaels sent 15 hitters to the plate in the third inning to push them to a 14-6 win and an undefeated run in the Bob Everett Classic on Wednesday.

“It’s our first time here, and it’s a great tournament with some good competition,” Gorman coach Matt Stoner said before the game.

When Valley Christian (6-4) jumped out to the 5-0 lead, it was the first time Gorman (11-4) trailed all tournament.

The Trojans' first six batters reached safely against senior starter Hudson Ciulla. The big hit for the Trojans was Cameron Bergloff’s bases-loaded, two-run double to left center.

Ciulla (1-0) settled down and pitched into the fourth inning for the win.

Valley Christian senior Jaxen Maxey (0-1) took the loss after coming back from a leg injury to make the start. He started with two scoreless innings but the second time through the Gorman lineup didn’t go well.

The Gaels sent 15 hitters to the plate and scored 12-total runs off three pitchers including three home runs and three doubles in the third inning alone.

“That one inning got away from us,” Valley Christian coach Vince LaGatta said. “They’re a good hitting team.”   

A bright spot for the Trojans was junior left-hander Derek Arold striking out the side in the fifth inning  while also allowing a run on a balk call from the windup.

Look for a feature in the coming days on the how the Trojans are approaching the season with an opportunity to win the a third straight state championship.

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