TUCSON — Fans lined the concourse at Kino Stadium Saturday for a chance to meet the Tucson Saguaros, the defending champions who wrapped up a 3-1 series win over the Pecos Bills despite dropping the night's game 13-10.
About an hour before first pitch, the Saguaros made their rounds, signing baseballs and hats for fans of all ages. Some players even broke out dance moves, drawing laughs from the crowd before the game got underway.
Randy Huffman is a loyal supporter who can be counted on to be at Kino almost every night. He had a simple message for anyone on the fence about coming out.
"It's very entertaining, you know, if people who like baseball have never heard of this come and watch the games, they'll be coming back because these guys are playing really, really good baseball," Huffman said.
Diehard fans of all ages turned out for the night. One fan summed up the appeal of the sport itself.
"The greatest game man ever made. If you watch one of their games, it proves it," the fan said.
Despite the 13-10 loss Saturday, in which Tucson blew a 6-1 lead as the Pecos Bills scored 12 runs across four middle innings, the Saguaros had already secured the series.
Tucson won the home opener June 3, 3-1, behind 6 strong innings from Jaymon Cervantes.
The Saguaros then rolled to a 17-4 win June 4, with Cameron Gallardo pitching 7 innings and striking out 7 while also going 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs at the plate. Connor Kiefer led the offense with 2 doubles and 5 RBIs, and Gavy Perez-Torres homered and drove in 4.
Tucson clinched the series June 5 with a 6-5 win, drawing 12 walks to overcome a 5-hit night. Jontae Hennesy went 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs and 3 stolen bases to lead the way.
Kiefer was a consistent force throughout the series, driving in 4 runs in Saturday's loss alone and contributing offensively in multiple games across the four-day set.
