Rattlers get set for Santa Rosa

The Tucumcari Rattlers baseball team has shown it can earn runs, but will need to focus on eliminating errors this weekend at the Santa Rosa tournament, said Dwayne Roberts, head coach.

"The guys put up some impressive numbers last week against Grady," Roberts said.

Roberts said the Rattlers will start the three-day tournament playing Laguna Acoma at 3 p.m., Thursday.

The Rattlers (1-2) last played in a 19-17 win over the Grady Bronchos (0-3) on Thursday at Tucumcari.

During that game the Rattlers had three players who have three or more RBIs, Matthew Lopez (6), Josh Walker (3) and Joey Dysart (3).

The Rattlers jumped out to an early 10-1 in the first. However, an injury to starting pitcher George Martinez in top of the first resulted in Roberts having to use four relief pitchers.

"We pretty much threw everything we had at them," Roberts said.

Roberts said pitching and fielding errors combined with Grady getting hits soon shifted a run away game into a close contest.

Walker, who Roberts didn't start due to his pitch count from the March 20 double header against Mora, closed out the game striking out the last two batters.

"We've got a few bumps and bruises, but the guys showed they won't give up, even when things are not going their way," Roberts said.

Logan baseball

The Logan Longhorns earned their first win of the season splitting a double header on Thursday against the defending 2A state champion Buffaloes at Melrose.

The Longhorns (1-3) next game will a double header Friday at Dora.

Softball

The Tucumcari Lady Rattlers softball team won their second game of the season, a 17-1 routing of the Lady Longhorns on Thursday at Logan.

The Lady Rattlers (2-2) will play the Dora Lady Coyotes on Monday at Tucumcari.

Upcoming games

Baseball

Friday

2 p.m., Logan (1-3) at Dora (1-3) (Double header)

Monday

3 p.m., Grady (0-3) at Logan

Softball

Monday

4 p.m., Dora (3-2) at Tucumcari (2-2)