State 3A play starts today

The Tucumcari Rattlers baseball team will start its run in the 3A state tournament today against the Tigers at Raton.

"The guys have high spirits going into this first-round game," said Dwayne Roberts, head baseball coach.

The 3-A state tournament game will begin at 3:30 p.m., today at Raton.

Roberts said the 10th-seeded Rattlers (8-10, 4-5) will visit the No. 7 Raton Tigers (16-10, 11-1) who won the District 2-3A championship.

"The team is ready to take the field and play to continue their post season run," Roberts said.

Roberts said the Rattlers gained a boost of confidence on Friday from splitting wins with the District 5-3A Santa Rosa Lions (17-8, 5-4) at Tucumcari. He said in the first game, a 13-2 loss in the sixth inning, the Rattlers had injuries and errors that aided the Lions in their run rule win.

"The second game was a complete turn around for the team," Roberts said. "It showed them that if they have the ability to play with a top tier team."

The Rattlers won the second game of the double header 5-3.

Roberts said unlike the previous weeks, the Rattlers will have their full roster available for today's game. He said having all the starters ready to play gives the Rattlers their best chance for winning.

"The boys know they have to take care of business, it's win or season over," Roberts said.