Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The state-ranked Sandia Prep baseball team appeared to sew up a district title with a 7-1 victory Thursday over visiting Tucumcari.
The Sundevils, ranked second in the latest Class 3A ratings by MaxPreps.com, improved to 11-1 in District 4/5 and 18-5 overall. Sandia Prep had a three-game lead in the district standings through the weekend.
The Rattlers (1-19, 0-12) didn’t make it easy, though. Tucumcari coach George Montano said Josh Griego “pitched the best game of the year.”
“He stepped up and went after every batter that stepped into the box,” he said. “Coach Garcia and I could have been more proud of Josh’s performance on the mound. Sandia Prep, to me, should win it all for Class 3A. They are a solid team on both sides.”
Montano said it should have been a 3-1 final score, noting Sandia Prep scored four run on Tucumcari errors.
Sandia Prep scored three runs in the second inning and two more in the third.
Sammy Lopez accounted for Tucumcari’s only hit. Tucumcari’s lone run occurred in the third inning.
“Our future’s bright in this program,” Montano said. “Our record doesn’t show much, but the boys really improved all year long.”
NMMI 18, Tucumcari 0
New Mexico Military Institute scored 10 runs in the second inning en route to an 18-0 district victory on April 26.
The Rattlers managed just one hit — by Samuel Lopez — and committed five errors. Nick Romero, Kam Apodaca and Luis Archuleta also drew walks for Tucumcari.
Meanwhile, the Colts totaled 16 hits and six walks against losing pitcher Johnathan Blea. Miguel Rivera hit two triples and drove in five runs. Colts pitchers Bailey Mego and Miguel Rivera combined for 10 strikeouts in five innings.
NMMI improved to 18-6 overall and 8-4 in district play.