After making a 1,000-mile drive to Seguin, Texas, an all-star team made up of players from the Four Corners took on July 22 for games against state champion teams from New Mexico and Louisiana.
The cross-state games were made possible after the Southwest Colorado all-star team made up of 15-year-old and 16-year-old players from Dolores, Dove Creek and Cortez won the Colorado state championship for the second consecutive season.
Opening the regional tournament in Texas against the New Mexico state champions, Southwest Colorado fell behind early and never recovered during an 11-1 loss.
Caleb Compton started on the mound for Southwest Colorado and surrendered four earned runs over three innings. He was relieved by Dakota Smith, who pitched an inning and allowed three earned runs. Neil Farias closed out the contest by allowing one earned run over one and two-thirds innings.
New Mexico utilized five pitchers during the contest and limited Southwest Colorado to three hits, which came courtesy of Compton, Smith, and Farias. Southwest Colorado’s offense was plagued by 10 strikeouts.
“We came in (to Texas) a day early to attempt to adjust to the heat and humidity, and we had a good practice on Friday,” said Southwest Colorado manager Tim Passell. “The players were definitely feeling the pressure in the first game (against New Mexico), and we never really got our offensive clicking. Even so, it was a more competitive game than the score showed.”
Following up its loss to New Mexico with a game against Louisiana’s state champions later in the day on July 22, Southwest Colorado was competitive throughout, but ultimately lost 10-6 in extra innings.
Things started out well for Southwest Colorado, which held a 3-2 lead at the end of the third inning.
Payton Langston and Dakota Smith combined to pitch the first three and two-thirds innings of the game. Neil Farias came on in relief and allowed four earned runs over four and one-third innings.
Farias, Langston, Travis Beeson and Korie Likes drove in runs for Southwest Colorado and Smith, Langston and Likes each recorded two hits.
“I’m very proud of the way we came out against Louisiana,” Passell said. Everyone played hard. Just a couple of close plays cost us.”
With its season now complete, the Southwest Colorado senior team will look ahead to next season, during which it will attempt to win its third consecutive state championship.
“I’m extremely proud of our players and coaches,” Passell said. “Our players will be bringing a tough and hungry attitude back to their high schools due to this experience.”