Sameer Malla is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover North Canyon High School for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX – Hit after hit after walk after walk after hit. That scene was just a sample of the damage the North Canyon batters inflicted on Tuesday afternoon. Patience and contact at the plate were the focus for North Canyon in this 5A conference game as the Rattlers punished the Knights in the latter's home opener, 23-1.

All but two batters drew a walk and notched a base hit for the Rattlers in a contest that was called after four innings. The top four hitters of the lineup did most of the damage, going eight for 11 with seven walks, two stolen bases, three doubles, a triple, a two-run home run and 10 total RBI.

“The patience at the plate was something we've kind of been working on," North Canyon head coach Jeff Fierro said, "and making sure that they're being disciplined and swinging at good pitches."

Leadoff hitter and senior shortstop Randy Gonzalez went three-for-four, with identical ground-rule doubles and four RBI. Freshman centerfielder Emilio Figueroa went one-for-two with three walks, a double and an RBI. Senior first baseman Derek Milligan was a perfect three-for-three with three walks, a second inning triple and three RBI. North Canyon's cleanup hitter—and starting pitcher— Omar Martinez did his best Shohei Ohtani impression in the win. The sophomore went one-for-two with the two-run home run to go along with one run and two hits allowed and six strikeouts in four innings of work.

“We were hitting everything and getting our opportunities,” Martinez said. “We hit a lot. We were base running aggressively. That helped us get the win.”

North Canyon scored seven runs through the first two innings. The Rattlers then scored eight runs in both the third and fourth innings, exacerbating what was a 7-1 lead into a 23-1 hole for the Knights. The Rattlers batted around through their lineup three times over that span.

“What happened this afternoon, we just got to keep playing the game and just have a positive attitude and just keep playing our game and not let the scoreboard dictate it,” Fierro said. “Not that let the opponent dictate it but just kind of kind of those things just play the game and just keep playing positive.”

Another reason for the blowout win? Metro Tech had just played the night before, a 15-4 win against the Glendale Cardinals.

“I think they threw a lot of their guys yesterday in their win that probably didn't help out today,” Fierro said. “We didn't have to face their top guy, which probably helped our guys out a little bit.”

Metro Tech coach Jess Poweziak, agreed. “I think that my guys came out a little tired,” Poweziak said. “We did have a late game last night. I feel like maybe they just didn't quite get enough rest last night and get back to get back down.”

The Knights’ pitching staff was erratic all afternoon, as each of the three pitchers allowed at least two walks and threw a combined 80 balls compared to only 65 strikes.

“A couple of guys who threw today, it was their first time they've pitched on varsity in a game before,” Poweziak said. “I think it was a little bit nervous for them being the first home game and being the first time on the mound of a varsity game.”

Junior Jesus Ramirez, senior Robert Vazquez and sophomore Cyless Medina all threw 40-plus pitches, but each gave up at least seven runs in the loss.

We got we got some growth to do,” Poweziak said. “You have a lot of room for growth here and hopefully a lot of room for the team to really bond and grow together and keep fighting. You got a lot of winnable games ahead of us and we got to stay together as a team.”

Metro Tech (1-1) will host their second home game this Thursday against the Washington Rams (1-0) at 3:45 PM local time. North Canyon (1-1) hosts its home opener on Friday against the Central Bobcats (1-1) at 3:45 PM local time.