Ayden Vasquez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Paradise Valley for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX — Paradise Valley triumphed over Gila Ridge behind a complete performance from senior Owen Bird, who excelled on the mound and at the plate in tremendous fashion.

Bird powered the Trojans’ win with a strong pitching outing, limiting Gila Ridge to only four hits and two runs while working deep into the game.

His two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning would only put the nail in the coffin for Gila Ridge and cap off an outstanding performance from the senior.

“I feel pretty good,” Bird said. “I came into the game ready to pitch and do my thing. I knew I just needed to do my job both on and off the mound and get done what I needed to get done.”

Paradise Valley capitalized on opportunities at the plate, generating offense through multiple innings. The Trojans produced runs through steady contact and disciplined at-bats, extending their advantage as the game progressed.

At the plate, Bird said he stayed focused on his approach.

“I was just looking for good pitches to hit and swing when I found what I needed,” he said.

Head coach Dean Symancyk said the team’s execution improved after a slow start.

“We did well. We executed more in the middle innings,” Symancyk said. “Early on, we were a little more sloppy and could have scored a few more runs, but overall it was good to see our strength, which is our pitching, come out and perform.”

Bird’s outing anchored that strength. Initially expected to be limited in today's game, he remained on the bump due to his effectiveness.

“He was going to be on a lower pitch count, but he was throwing so well that we decided to keep him going,” Symancyk said. “He has a bulldog mentality. He wants to win every pitch.”

Paradise Valley’s defense committed three errors but prevented them from becoming costly, limiting Gila Ridge’s ability to string together scoring chances.

“We put a lot of time into making sure our defense is at its top,” Bird said. “We get a lot of reps and make sure guys are ready in their positions.”

Gila Ridge scored two runs but was unable to sustain offensive pressure against Paradise Valley’s pitching. The Trojans consistently worked out of trouble and maintained control of the game’s tempo.

Symancyk also pointed to Bird’s development offensively as a key factor.

“His bat has come a long way,” Symancyk said. “He’s competing in at-bats and doing damage on pitches that aren’t executed well.”

The win adds to Paradise Valley’s momentum as the team now boasts a 10-7 record in the season with a 4-1 conference record. With the new state rankings being released on March 31, they hope to carry this momentum as the next stretch of the schedule approaches.

“We’re just going to continue to play our game and keep winning ballgames,” Bird said.

Paradise Valley returns to action Friday, April 2, against North at home under the lights of Roy Muller Field as it continues its regular-season slate.