For the first time in nearly two years, the Dolores High School baseball players walked off the field as winners as the team hit the road and defeated Dove Creek, 13-2, in five innings on March 14.
Earning the victory on the mound was Bears’ senior pitcher Brandon Ward, who allowed two runs over four innings and struck out five batters. Sophomore Dakota Smith relieved Ward in the fifth inning and pitched a scoreless inning to record the win.
“Brandon pitched well and had pretty good control,” Dolores manager Rusty Hamilton said.
According to Hamilton, the Bears’ day at the plate was highlighted by a fourth inning at bat from junior Justin Purkat, whose drive to the center field wall with the bases loaded resulted in a two-run double.
“Just a few more feet and (Purkat) would have had a grand slam,” said Hamilton.
Dove Creek was led at the plate by freshman Ty Smith, who recorded two hits in two ad bats and drove in one run. Sophomore Ryan Delano-Martinez also registered two hits, including a double.
Delano-Martinez took the loss on the mound for Dove Creek, giving up eight runs and seven hits over three innings. Four of the runs given up by Delano-Martinez were unearned.
Now 1-1 on the season, Dolores will work to brush up on its hitting before returning to action at the Ignacio tournament against Sargent on March 17. Dove Creek’s next game is March 17 at the San Juan Slugfest against Monticello.
“I think our batters needs more plate appearances,” Hamilton said, when asked how his team can improve. “We’re going to work on batting in practice the next few days. The more at bats we get, the better off we will be.”