After an opening-season win over Dove Creek, the Dolores High School baseball team traveled to Farmington on to play Piedra Vista's junior varsity and did not fare as well.
Second-year manager Rusty Hamilton expressed satisfaction with his team's early performances, however, and indicated that once his roster rounds into form, the Bears will be competitive.
"I thought we played really well," said Hamilton. "For only being on the field a little bit this season, I was pretty happy with what we did."
Offense keys win over Dove Creek
Playing on the road against Dove Creek on March 16, Dolores relinquished an early lead before coming from behind to defeat Class 1A's top-ranked team, 12-8.
Keying the Bears victory was the hitting performance of senior Stetson Hamilton, who went 3-5 at the plate with two doubles and four RBIs.
"Stetson found his groove yesterday," said Rusty Hamilton. "He hit a ground-rule double that was really close to being a home run, and he had a solid day at the plate."
Also performing well in the Dolores victory was senior Kellen Gatzke, who started on the mound and pitched four scoreless innings.
Dolores led 4-0 entering the fifth inning before Dove Creek scored five runs to seize a 5-4 lead. The Bears responded with seven runs in the top of the sixth inning, however, and held on for the victory.
Junior Jalen Balderama, freshman Tel Hamilson and Gatzke all had two RBIs in the victory.
Bears blanked by Piedra Vista
Looking to follow up its victory with a road win over Piedra Vista's junior varsity team on March 17, Dolores was unable to score runs and lost, 10-0.
"We hit the ball, but Piedra Vista does a really good job at playing fundamental baseball," said Rusty Hamilton. "I felt pretty good with our performance, but they just kept hitting the ball."
Madden started the game on the mound and pitched three innings. Junior Josh McCoy pitched two innings in relief.
With their record now at 1-1 on the season, the Bears travel to play Shiprock on March 24 before travelling to Blanding, Utah, for the San Juan Slugfest on March 27.