The last time Tombstone played in a state championship game, the Yellow Jackets defeated rival Benson in 1994 to claim the 2A title.
Tombstone is returning to the championship game for the first time since then after defeating the Bobcats 9-5 Friday night at Goodyear Ballpark.
The No. 4 Yellow Jackets (20-7-1) will play No. 7 Phoenix Christian (24-4) in the championship game at 4 p.m. Saturday at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
The top two seeds — No. 1 Bisbee and No. 2 San Tan Charter — lost in the quarterfinal round (2A does not have a double-elimination format). Bisbee lost to No. 8 Benson in that round before Tombstone eliminated the Bobcats. Phoenix Christian ousted San Tan Charter in the quarterfinals and beat No. 14 Veritas Prep 10-2 at Goodyear Ballpark on Friday.
Tombstone defeated Phoenix Christian 15-5 in five innings in a Saturday non-conference game April 5 at Tombstone.
The Yellow Jackets’ Nos. 2-4 hitters in the lineup — Trey Franklin, DJ Elias and Miguel Rincon — each had three hits in that game as part of their 15-hit attack. Rincon hit a home run and Elias had three RBIs in addition to being the winning pitcher (he also plays catcher).
The schools met when Tombstone played in its first state championship game in 1977 with the Yellow Jackets winning that game 3-2.
On Friday night in the win over Benson, Tombstone was led by third baseman Erik Kohler, who went 3 for 4 with a three-run home run that was part of his four RBIs. The blast in the bottom of the fourth increased Tombstone’s lead to 9-4.
Elias was the winning pitcher, allowing six hits and four runs (none of them earned) while striking out four and walking two in 5 2/3 innings. Elias also went 2 for 4 with two runs, a double and two RBIs at the plate.
First baseman Brendan Caballero went 3 for 4 with a run and double and centerfielder Hank Moody was 1 for 4 with a run, two RBIs and two stolen bases.
Benson (15-14-1) was led by pitcher Kellen Deskins at the plate. He went 3 for 4 with a run. First baseman Case Williams finished 2 for 4 with a run.
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