The Shadow Ridge Mustangs Varsity Baseball Team successfully halted a challenging four-game skid on Thursday, March 5th, reclaiming their momentum with a decisive 11-0 victory over Southeast Career Tech. This win was a critical turning point for the Mustang squad, which had struggled through a series of narrow defeats and tough matchups in the preceding weeks. The shutout victory not only evened their season record at 3-3 but also showcased the high talent that has historically made the Mustangs a formidable force in Nevada baseball.
“We win because of heart” says Coach Mccall
The breakout performance against Southeast Career Tech was led by an exceptional display of pitching and timely hitting. Senior Skyler Fife was the standout on the mound, delivering a masterclass in efficiency by throwing five hitless innings. Fife’s dominance was punctuated by a career-high ten strikeouts, effectively silencing the Roadrunners’ offense and providing his teammates with the defensive stability they needed to find their rhythm at the plate.
Offensively, the Mustangs were led by senior Evan Noble and sophomore Gage Kennedy, who both turned in perfect or near-perfect performances to drive the 11-0 rout. Noble, in particular, has emerged as a leader for the team’s success this season; statistics show the Mustangs remain undefeated in games where he records at least three RBIs. Against Southeast Career Tech, Noble lived up to that reputation, going 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. Kennedy complemented this effort by going 2-for-2, scoring twice and swiping two bases, highlighting the aggressive baserunning that defined the Mustangs’ play throughout the contest.
“The game was unbelievable, but I always knew we had it in us,” says sophomore Gage Kennedy
This victory was a necessary relief following a string of heartbreaking losses that had tested the team’s resolve. Prior to the shutout, Shadow Ridge had suffered a 10-9 “heartbreaker” at the hands of the Liberty Patriots and a 12-2 defeat against perennial powerhouse Bishop Gorman. Even in those losses, however, there were signs of an impending breakthrough, such as the nine-run effort against Liberty, which at the time was the team’s highest scoring output of the young season. By finally pairing that offensive potential with shutdown pitching, the Mustangs proved they could compete with the best in the state.
“This game is what I’ve been waiting for this whole season, a nice blowout win,” says senior Skyler Fife.
While the Mustangs’ journey through the 2026 season remains a work in progress, the breaking of the four-game losing streak served as a powerful reminder of their capabilities. As they move further into league play, the confidence gained from such a dominant all-around performance will be vital. With leaders like Fife and Noble finding their stride, Shadow Ridge has signaled to the rest of the 5A South – Desert league that they are ready to put their early-season struggles in the rearview mirror and contend once again for a deep postseason run.
