Garza-Núñez, Barragan among stars of Chasers' first homestand
After a 1-3 opening homestand, the Flagstaff Star Chasers are set to go on the road for the first time for a rematch with the Havasu Heat.
They do so coming off their first win in franchise history, a 19-6 offensive explosion against the White Mountain Hawks in 4 ½ innings on June 15.
Before the season’s second week officially kicks off, here is a look at the standouts from the opening homestand of the team’s inaugural season.
Roberto Garza-Núñez III, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Prescott, Arizona)
The Embry-Riddle Eagle made history opening night, driving in second baseman Taylor Gill for the team’s first-ever run. The single was the beginning of a three-hit, four-RBI night that also included a three-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Garza-Núñez has continued to rake in the early part of the season. He had at least one hit in three of the season’s first four games and leads the team in RBIs.
After hitting .358 with a team-leading 64 RBIs and earning an All-California Pacific Conference honorable mention as a sophomore, Garza-Núñez has picked up right where he left off offensively this summer.
Drew Barragan, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Prescott, Arizona)
Garza-Núñez's Embry-Riddle teammate, Drew Barragan, was a substantial part of the team’s win over the Hawks. The Trabuco Canyon, California native had three hits, four RBIs and a walk. Barragan has driven in five runs and has five hits in only two games this season.
Bubba Akana, University of Hawaii (Transfer Portal)
Akana has been one of the Star Chasers’ most consistent offensive threats in the early going, leading the team in hits. Three out of Akana’s first four starts have been multi-hit games. Against the Hawks, Akana continued to get on base, scoring three times via a double and two walks.
Luke White, Post Grad Sports (Ohlone College commit)
White threw a five-inning complete game against the Hawks, striking out seven. The right-hander gave up six earned runs, but was given all the run support he needed and then some thanks to an 11-run third inning and seven-run fourth. He is not just a pitcher either. During a split-squad scrimmage on June 12, White was the designated hitter for both sides, crushing a home run for the blue team.
Up next
The Star Chasers' first road trip of the season begins against the Heat on June 16 at 5 p.m. After being swept in their first series, the Star Chasers will look to defeat Havasu for the first time at Lake Havasu High School.