Joahan Lopez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Heritage Academy Laveen for AZPreps365.com

The Heritage Academy Laveen baseball team remained winless after a five-run fifth inning turned a pitcher's duel into a rout, which led to the 9-1 loss to Scottsdale Preparatory Academy on Monday evening.

The Heritage Academy Laveen (0-3-1) offense struggled mightily, managing just two hits and failing to provide run support for junior starting pitcher Isaias Ruiz.

Ruiz had a quality outing, finishing with eight strikeouts and giving up three earned runs in four innings.

Ruiz would finish the fourth inning with a big strikeout to keep the game close 3-1 after issuing a few walks that led to runs.

Until the Scottsdale Preparatory Academy offense broke the game open, it scored five runs, taking advantage of the struggling Heritage Academy Laveen bullpen.

Up until the fifth, It was a pitching duel between Ruiz and Scottsdale Preparatory Academy starting pitcher Kannon Czochara.

“Not gonna lie, the umpire gave me some strike calls,” Ruiz said. “But still, my slider was looking good. My fastball was staying there, and it was hard. So I think my pitches were good early on, but that one inning killed us.”

Through the first four games of the season, Ruiz has started three and made one relief appearance. He has totaled 18 strikeouts, ranking third in the 2A Conference, while having the only home run hit for Heritage Academy Laveen.

“He's strong, he's competitive,” battery-mate PJ Soltero said. “He just wants what's best for the team. Once he gets in that zone, there's nothing to stop him.”

Czochara was in control, throwing a complete game while allowing just two hits and striking out nine.

Switch-hitting senior Soltero, who is batting left-handed for now as he recovers from a shoulder injury, had one of the team’s two hits.

“We definitely have to put the ball in play,” Soltero said. “I think a big factor in that is confidence. We lack a lot of confidence.”

Heritage Academy Laveen had a quick turnaround with another chance to earn its first win of the season when it faced winless Northwest Valley Christian (0-9-1) on Thursday.

“We can't give up, just keep going,” Soltero said. “We gotta fight it through, just have to come back fresh, new mindset.”

In Soltero’s first at-bat of the season, he had a swing and a miss that popped his shoulder out.

Two weeks later, he continues to recover from an ankle injury he suffered during basketball season.

Coach Steve Farris praised Soltero's toughness and grit.

“He's just an athlete,” Farris said. “He's got a good arm. He'll keep people from moving to the next base. He’s one of those guys that you like on your team and gives you 100%. Whether he's injured or not, you can count on him every day.”