Freshman pitcher Madison Pitts struck out 15 batters and allowed just two hits as Faith Lutheran defeated Desert Oasis 5-1 on Thursday at Faith Lutheran High School.

Pitts went the distance for the Crusaders (12-1, 4-0 4A Desert League), giving up one run in a matchup of the top two teams in the Review-Journal’s Class 4A rankings. No. 1 Faith Lutheran built an early lead and never trailed.

Desert Oasis (6-1, 4-1) got its only run in the fifth inning when Nolly Newbry scored from third. The Diamondbacks managed just two hits off Pitts, who consistently worked ahead in the count.

Faith Lutheran second baseman Elle Balady and catcher Brynndal Gonzales each contributed key plays. Balady was involved in a double play in the fifth inning, and Gonzales doubled and scored.

The Crusaders host Cheyenne at 4 p.m. Monday. Desert Oasis travels to Bonanza at 3 p.m. Tuesday.