A seven-run sixth inning allowed Deer Valley to pull away in its 14-9 victory over Sierra Linda during Monday’s non-section game.    

With four games remaining in its regular season, Deer Valley (7-12 overall) is fighting for a 5A play-in spot. Junior Chase Parks picked up three RBI’s and pitched 1 2/3 innings against Sierra Linda (7-15 overall).  

“(I) came in while we were up by one,” Parks said. “Just got to do your job. (Sierra Linda) was chasing everything.”

Deer Valley head coach Greg Rice was pleased with the way his team played, especially with how well it hit.

“We hit the ball hard and had a good approach at the plate,” he said. “We also did a good job on the base pads.”

Senior captain Dakota Nordine had a powerful bat, getting two hits and driving in one run, and Logan Livingston had one of the most exciting at-bats in the game, when he hit a RBI triple.

Also for Deer Valley, Alex Robertson had a double and two RBI’s.

Senior Austin Stewart had five strikeouts, allowed three hits and only one earned run in three innings. Sierra Linda tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the seventh, however, the momentum didn’t last last.

Sierra Linda never led during the almost three-hour game but did pull within one run after scoring five runs in the fifth inning.

“Sierra Linda is a good hitting ball club,” Rice said. “They just kept battling, and, you know, we just held on for the win.”

On Tuesday, Sierra Linda travels to Surprise to take on 9-12 Shadow Ridge, and Deer Valley heads to Buckeye to battle against Verrado (20-4).