CHANDLER, AZ — Chandler earned a pivotal rivalry win Monday afternoon, holding off Hamilton 6-4 in a 6A Premier matchup behind timely hitting and a strong start on the mound from Zayden Peltz.

Looking to avenge an earlier loss to the Huskies, the Wolves responded with one of their more complete performances of the season, using an early offensive burst to seize momentum and enough late pitching to withstand Hamilton’s comeback push.

Hamilton struck first in the top of the second inning, plating the game’s opening run to take an early 1-0 lead.

Chandler answered immediately.

The Wolves erupted for three runs in the bottom of the second to flip the game in their favor, then added two more in the third inning to build a 5-1 advantage and put Hamilton on its heels.

Senior Devin Wilson delivered the biggest offensive performance of the day, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBIs to lead Chandler at the plate. Graham Snyder added an RBI hit, while Yale Johnson and Jackson Brack each recorded hits as part of Chandler’s six-hit effort.

On the mound, junior Zayden Peltz gave the Wolves exactly what they needed, tossing five strong innings while allowing just two hits and one earned run. Peltz worked through traffic throughout the afternoon, striking out one and limiting Hamilton’s offense in key situations.

Hamilton made its push late.

The Huskies scored two runs in the sixth and another in the seventh to cut the deficit to 6-4, but Chandler reliever Zhaid Diaz weathered the pressure to help secure the final outs and preserve the rivalry win.

The victory improves Chandler to 15-8 on the season and gives the Wolves a critical boost in the tightly contested 6A Premier standings, while Hamilton falls to 12-8.

Chandler will look to carry the momentum into its next matchup against Basha.