TJ Scully is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover St. Mary's Catholic High School for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX – St. Mary’s Catholic High School will get another shot at Saguaro High School Wednesday afternoon after a narrow 4-3 loss Monday night.

First pitch is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. at Saguaro, with added significance in the standings for both sides.

The two programs play in the same regional conference. Saguaro sits in first place at 8-1 with St. Mary’s close behind in second at 7-2, making the rematch critical in the race for the top spot.

Head coach Chris Rideau said the difference Monday came down to execution in key offensive moments, particularly with runners in scoring position. 

“We’ve just got to be able to execute a little bit better offensively,” Rideau said. “Defensively, I think we’ll be solid, pitching I think will be solid. We just got to do the little things to move them over and get them in.” 

One missed opportunity proved especially costly. St. Mary’s loaded the bases with one out, but was unable to capitalize on the chance to bring in a run that could have changed the outcome.

“All we needed was a ground ball to the right side of the field, probably gets that run across,” Rideau said. “But it is what it is. We learn from it, and hopefully next time we’re in that situation, we’re able to execute.”

Despite the loss, senior Chris Hill said the game reinforced the team’s belief in its ability to compete at a high level, especially against the region’s top team. 

“It shows that we can compete with anybody,” Hill said. “It shows that we are definitely one of the top teams in 4A, and we’ll definitely get that one back on Wednesday.”

The first matchup featured strong pitching and defense on both sides, leaving little room for error.

Hill said there was no single turning point, but rather a series of small moments that ultimately decided the game late.

“It was just a really hard-fought game,” Hill said. “I think everybody did their job well, but it just really came down to the final innings.”

In preparation for the rematch, St. Mary’s has placed an increased emphasis on fundamentals, particularly situational executions. 

Rideau said that Tuesday’s practice was focused on bunting and advancing runners, areas that can make the difference in low-scoring games.

Hill noted that improvements at the plate and continued consistency on the mound will be critical against another strong Saguaro pitching performance.

“Definitely just take some more reps in the cages and get better at the plate and on the mound overall,” Hill said.

Rideau added that while Saguaro’s pitching presents a challenge, St. Mary’s offensive output in the first game was not far from where it needed to be to compete.

“It’s going to be tough. The pitching is very solid,” Rideau said. “Not that much that disappointed last night with the offensive production, other than not being able to take advantage of the little things.”