Rattlers no-hit by NMMI

Tucumcari’s baseball team found itself on the wrong end of a no-hitter during a 12-0 district loss Saturday to visiting New Mexico Military Institute.

NMMI starting pitcher Tegin Maloney struck out 10 in 4 2/3 innings. Reliever Luis Patton pitched the final one-third of the inning for the win.

Collectively, Colts pitchers allowed just one walk — drawn by Juano Martinez. Tucumcari’s Paxton Smith also reached base when he was hit by a pitch. NMMI committed no errors.

“NMMI is one of the best in 3A,” Tucumcari coach George Montano said. “They have guys who throw hard. Strike zone was different every time, but we gotta swing the bat to make contact to get on base.”

Tucumcari also was hamstrung by five errors, leading to 10 unearned runs.

Starter Josh Greigo allowed two earned runs in 4 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking one. Reliever Oscar Angel allowed one earned run in two-thirds of an inning.

The Colts seized control early with four runs in the first inning and three more in the second. They added five in the top of the fifth.

The game ended after five innings via the 10-run mercy rule.

NMMI, winners of four in a row, improved to 9-4 overall and took sole possession of first place in the district with a 3-0 record.

Tucumcari fell to 3-9, 0-4. The Rattlers have lost seven straight.