In what first-year coach Matt Ellett called a microcosm of championship baseball, the Fountain Hills Falcons overcame an early hole to mercy rule Arizona Lutheran Academy 16-6 in six innings in its home opener.
The Falcons (3-2) did the bulk of their damage scoring 14 runs across the fourth and fifth innings before sealing their win on a passed ball in the sixth. They handed the Coyotes their first loss of the season.
Freshman Angel Rivera opened up scoring for the home team with an RBI single, though the Coyotes answered with three runs in the second. They added another off back-to-back doubles in the fourth to take a 4-1 lead.
