Palo Verde powers past Centennial in semifinals

Nick Christensen

Friday, Aug. 8, 2003 | 9:54 a.m.

Second-seeded Palo Verde continued its domination of the Nevada State American Legion baseball tournament Thursday, with a 3-2 win against sixth-seeded Centennial at UNLV's Wilson Stadium.

Palo Verde outfielder Anthony Rodriguez drove in Chad Connally in the seventh inning, scoring what would turn out to be the game-winning run for the Panthers. Centennial was led by catcher Jonathon Massanari and outfielder William Scarlett, who each went 2-for-4.

But when the Bulldogs threatened with an eighth inning rally, Palo Verde moved designated hitter Brandon Kintzler to the mound. While Palo Verde pitching has been great, giving up just three runs in the whole tournament, Kintzler's arm has been outstanding.

Kintzler, the Yankees' 40th round draft pick ins June, has given up just two hits in the 10 1/3 innings he's pitched so far. He also has struck out a tournament-leading 13 batters.

Palo Verde coach Mike Besser said his whole pitching staff deserves credit for their success.

"I don't want to single any one of them out," said Besser. "Over a three-game period, they've given up nine hits -- between Jordan Salazar, Brandon Kintzler, and Matt Wilson, they've been outstanding. Without them pitching the way they have, we wouldn't be in the championship game on Saturday."

The Panthers could have found out who their opponent would be late Thursday, but Sierra Vista wasn't yet ready to bow out of the double-elimination tournament. The top-seeded Lions avenged Monday's 9-5 loss to Green Valley by beating the Gators, 8-2. Fifth seed Green Valley had been undefeated after upsetting Silverado in the tournament opener, and then beating Sierra Vista.

Sierra Vista was led by right fielder Vicente Rivera, who went 3-for-4 with a run and two RBIs. Left fielder Austin Stout added two hits and a run.

Because of the seeding, Sierra Vista will face Green Valley for the third time in four games tonight at 8 at Wilson Stadium. The winner will face Palo Verde Saturday night in the state championship. The Nevada state champion will compete in the regional tournament starting Thursday in Lodi, Calif.