Saginaw United High School

New Look Saginaw United Fights Back, But Drops Opener Late Host Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to finally subdue a determined Saginaw United Thursday afternoon in the 2026 baseball season opener for both teams. The final was 13-9 in six innings. The game was played in a light rain for most of the three-plus hours as the newly minted city rivals fought to an entertaining finish. Early on it was all SASA. The host team jumped out to a 6-run cushion putting up 2 runs in the first and 4 runs in the third. United then broke through in the fourth inning scoring 3 runs to cut the SASA lead in half. But SASA added 2 runs in their half of the fourth to push the lead back up to 5. Despite the deteriorating weather and diminishing daylight, the fifth inning saw both teams combine for 11 runs and United display an infectious and exciting energy. Senior center fielder Jesse Medel, Sophomore catcher Dakari Sims, Sophomore infielder Austin Harris, Sophomore infielder Jaylon Garcia, Sophomore outfielder Enrique Martinez, II and Freshman outfielder Aden Morgan each scored a run as they and their teammates patiently put together quality at bats throughout the line-up. The inning was also keyed by United's aggression on the base paths as the Phoenix stole two bases and advanced on numerous wild pitches. And after early innings of barely hanging within striking distance, United's packed dugout erupted as the Phoenix had clawed back to grab an improbable 9-8 lead heading to the bottom of the fifth. But for the second straight inning, SASA broke back with runs of their own following a United rally. The hosts had three hits in the inning including a triple and took the lead for good. United (0-1) got strong pitching performances from starter Sophomore Zhaiden Agloro (1 earned run allowed) Freshman Jayce Delgado (zero earned runs allowed), and Sophomore Jacob Delgado (zero earned runs allowed). Top hitting performances for United were turned in by Medel (2 hits, 2 runs scored, RBI), Sims (2 hits, run scored), and Morgan (2 RBI). Sophomore Austin Harris scored a run and also turned in an inning on the mound. Martinez, II scored twice. Sophomore infielder Iggy Delgado also drove in a run for the Phoenix. United now heads to next week's spring break with an outlook of better weather and a clearer picture about the team's needs. "With the scrimmage Tuesday against Carrollton and today, we learned so much about our team," Head Coach Nate Volk said. "It will be invaluable to us in setting up the upcoming practices in the most beneficial way we can for the guys." Volk commended everyone involved with the team as well as the school's athletic department for working hard behind the scenes to help prepare for Thursday's opener. "Many days we have 5 or more coaches at practice getting the players the best tools and content possible," Volk said. "We've had the ability to get work done inside and outside because the school has stayed flexible in getting us to different venues. It all adds up. But the biggest thing is how much the coaches did with the players before I was hired in early February. We're way ahead of where I thought we should be thanks to Mike (Bandy), Roy (Sims), Triel (Frazier), Tony (Ayala) and Vic (Cuevas). We had more kids in the dugout today than the 9 on the field. Those participation numbers say a lot about the health of the program and none of it happens without the work those coaches have been doing selflessly for months." Volk also credited special assignment coaches Josh Bauer and Miles Yurgaites for their strong contributions in getting the infield ready for live play. "We've made a lot of plays on the infield so far in the two competition days and that is because of the focus on the little things of technique by those coaches and by the players putting it all to work with intent," Volk said. United returns to game action on April 8 at Saginaw Heritage.