Over the first two innings of its 12-6 home loss to Aztec on April 4, the Montezuma-Cortez High School baseball team was outscored 12-2. To the Panthers’ credit however, players continued to battle and made up four runs over the next five innings of what ended up being a 12-6 loss.
Among the highlights for M-CHS was the pitching performance by Ernie Padilla, who took the mound in the third inning and did not allow a run over five innings of solid work.
The loss was a forgettable one for Panthers ace Preston Davidovich, who started the game on the mound and was tagged for 12 earned runs in the first two innings.
M-CHS was led offensively by Cordell Baer and Carsen Yoder, who each delivered one hit and two RBIs. Tristan York also enjoyed a solid day at the plate with two hits in four plate appearances and one RBI.
The loss dropped M-CHS’ overall record to 4-3 on the season, while Aztec improved its record to 11-5 overall.
Next up for the Panthers will be a home doubleheader against Intermountain League rival Monte Vista, at Parque de Vida on April 13.