TEMECULA — The Chaparral Pumas capped off an incredible tournament run with a gritty, extra-inning victory over Roosevelt this past Saturday, taking home the championship trophy in the Scorpion Classic. The 4-1 win not only marked an emphatic end to their preseason but also underscored their determination and skill as they enter league play.
Jayden Dyer wasted no time setting the tone for Chaparral, delivering an RBI single in the first inning to give the Pumas an early lead. However, Roosevelt responded quickly, tying the game at 1-1 and setting the stage for a dramatic battle that would stretch into extra innings.
For much of the game, it was a duel of strong pitching and airtight defense. Starting pitcher Jaiden Lopez put in an impressive display on the mound for the Pumas, tossing six innings and allowing just three hits and one run while tallying four strikeouts. When the reins were handed over to Sebastian Zuniga in relief, the momentum continued. Zuniga shut down Roosevelt over the final two innings, ensuring the game stayed tied long enough for the Pumas’ offense to reignite.
The eighth inning saw Chaparral step up when it mattered most. With the bases loaded, Bailey McGrody drew a walk to push across the go-ahead run. Moments later, Connor Wetzel delivered the crucial moment of the game—a two-run double that expanded the lead to 4-1, ensuring the Pumas would head home as champions.
Wetzel was an offensive star throughout the game, finishing 3-for-4 with two RBIs. His timely contributions were complemented by multi-hit performances from Dean Mariani, Nicholas Vazquez, and Ethan Udell. The Pumas’ bats were relentless, pounding out 12 hits in total to keep Roosevelt on their heels.
Chaparral’s defense was equally vital to the victory, executing two crucial double plays to stifle Roosevelt’s attempts to build any late momentum. The combination of offensive firepower, sharp defense, and dominant pitching proved decisive in a game where every play mattered.
The win over Roosevelt marked an impressive conclusion to a flawless tournament performance for the Pumas, who went 5-0 in the Scorpion Classic, hosted by the Hesperia Scorpions Baseball team. Their path to the championship included commanding victories over Barstow (16-2), Littlerock (6-0), Hesperia (10-3), and Oak Hills (22-2).
With a few more preseason games to go, the Pumas will soon set their sights set on Southwestern League play. They’ll open league action on April 7 against Murrieta Mesa, eager to maintain their spot atop the preseason standings. The league’s preseason standings currently place Chaparral first at 5-0, ahead of Vista Murrieta (4-0-1), Murrieta Mesa (3-0), Temecula Valley (1-1), Great Oak (1-3), and Murrieta Valley (1-4).
With a perfect start to the season and a preseason championship trophy in hand, Chaparral has made a statement so far. Their blend of talent, strategy, and composure under pressure has already set them apart—and it’s clear they’re ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
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