Christian Greene is an NAU School of Communication student assigned to cover high school baseball for AZPreps365.com

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino’s early momentum slipped away as Mingus used a five-run fifth inning to hand the Panthers a 6-5 loss on April 10. 

The Panthers came out strong, building a 4-1 lead through the first two innings of play, behind timely hitting and solid at-bats. Coconino finished with nine hits, with senior shortstop Jake Hanley driving in three runs to lead the offense. 

In the fifth inning Mingus flipped the game on its head. A combination of defensive struggles, walks and missed opportunities allowed Mingus to rally, turning a three-run deficit into a lead it would not give back. 

Panthers coach Cristo Tabares said the mistakes snowballed in the inning, adding that’s what gave Mingus the momentum to turn the game around. 

“Sometimes we let things compound,” Tabares said. “It gives them energy and you could feel the momentum shift.” 

Despite the setback, Coconino responded late. The Panthers held Mingus to six runs and scratched across a run in the seventh to cut the deficit to one, putting pressure on in the final inning. 

Junior reliever Tate Jones played a key role in keeping the game within reach. He entered in a difficult spot, striking out four and limited further damage, allowing Coconino time to get back in front. 

Jones credited improved command and a simplified approach for his performance, relying primarily on his fastball and slider while focusing on attacking the strike zone. 

“I just want to compete and throw strikes,” Jones said. 

Tabares also pointed to the effort from his pitching staff, including a strong effort from senior pitcher Fitz Guinan, who stepped in early after starting senior pitcher Caleb Begay got hit by a pitch in the second. 

Coconino now turns to finish the season strong, following up with the same consistency, particularly in finishing games after establishing early control. As the season is nearing an end the Panthers are looking to bounce back and appear in the win column once again.