Maddox Loria's Shutout Masterclass Leads Red Mountain to Victory
TEMPE, AZ – In a stunning Round 3A playoff matchup held at the Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, the #4 ranked Red Mountain Mountain Lions delivered a 2-0 upset over the top-seeded Corona del Sol Aztecs. Senior right-hander Maddox Loria was the undeniable star of the evening, pitching a complete-game shutout that silenced the Aztecs' formidable lineup and propelled Red Mountain further into their playoff journey.
Corona del Sol entered the game with a impressive 16-2 record and the #1 ranking in the state. Riding a nine-game winning streak, the Aztecs seemed primed for another victory. But Loria and the Mountain Lions had other plans.
Loria's Pitching Gem
From the first pitch, Loria showcased extraordinary control and poise on the mound. Utilizing a five-pitch arsenal that included a fastball, sinker, cutter, changeup, and slider, he kept the Corona del Sol hitters guessing throughout the contest. His command of the zone was evident, painting the corners with precision and generating weak contact that neutralized the Aztecs' usual offensive firepower.
Corona del Sol's pitcher, Zane Burns, showed flashes of dominance as well, keeping Red Mountain hitters at bay through the middle of the game, but the Mountain Lions managed to break through with key plays.
Despite not racking up double-digit strikeouts, Loria's efficiency was remarkable. He tossed seven shutout innings, allowing only two hits and recording two strikeouts on just 89 pitches. His ability to mix speeds and locate his pitches consistently frustrated the Aztecs, who struggled to find any momentum at the plate.
"I just tell everybody to relax and play like it's a regular season game," Loria said after the victory. "That keeps me loose and not anxious at all, even in games like this one."
Loria's late-season surge has been pivotal for Red Mountain. After starting the season with a 3.65 ERA, he honed his mechanics and approach, lowering it to a stellar 1.36 just in time for the playoffs. His performance against Corona del Sol sent a clear message to the rest of the state: Red Mountain is a force to be reckoned with.
Manufacturing Runs
While Loria was dominating on the mound, Red Mountain's offense did just enough to secure the win. The Mountain Lions struck first in the top of the 1st inning with a well-executed hit-and-run that advanced a runner to third, setting up a sharp single to bring him home. Red Mountain added an insurance run in the 5th, capitalizing on a defensive miscue by the Aztecs and a timely base hit.
Those two runs proved to be all Loria needed as he closed out the game with the same poise and confidence that defined his performance from the start. His complete-game shutout not only marked a personal achievement but also etched his name into Red Mountain baseball history as one of the program's most clutch playoff performances.
Looking Forward
Red Mountain's monumental victory elevates their season record to 15-2 and marks a significant turning point in their playoff run. The win not only avenges a previous loss to Corona del Sol but also solidifies their status as legitimate contenders for the 6A state championship.
For Corona del Sol, the defeat is a tough setback, but their experience and depth suggest they are far from finished in this year’s tournament. As for Maddox Loria, his performance at Tempe Diablo Stadium will be remembered as a defining moment, setting the stage for Red Mountain's ambitions for a state title.
