The Cortez Raptors, playing in the 15-16 Mickey Mantle League in Farmington, N.M., opened their 2012 season with four wins and a loss.
In the first game of the May 26 doubleheader, the Raptors dominated the Shiprock (N.M.) Athletics, 8-0. Randy Haley pitched four innings, throwing five strikeouts and one walk with only one hit for the win. Ian Roberson pitched the fifth inning with two strikeouts to get the save.
Kevin Morales went 2-for-3 at the plate starting his season with two stolen bases. Roberson was also 2-for-3 with two runs batted in. Joe Whyte tallied three RBIs, hitting a triple to left field. Andrew Laymon and Bridger Brenner each had one RBI.
In the second game, the Raptors defeated the Durango Demons 8-7 in a hard-fought contest. Konnar McGee pitched 5 2/3 innings, notching 11 strikeouts and issuing only three walks. Raudy Castillo earned the save, pitching 2/3 inning with two Ks.
During the sixth and seventh innings with the Raptors ahead by seven, the Demons bats came alive, eventually tying the game. The Raptors used their last at-bat to take the win. Haley slammed a single in the gap between third base and shortstop, bringing in Roberson for the go-ahead score.
Brenner added three RBIs to his season total, while Kellen Gatzke blasted a double to left field, plating two Raptors. Roberson also had one RBI. Eddie Martinez stole two bases in the game, and Haley took one.
On June 2, the Raptors saw action again in Farmington in a doubleheader versus two hard-hitting teams.
The Raptors defeated the Farmington Brewers, 12-7, in the first game behind the pitching of Laymon and Haley, who recorded the win.
Laymon and Taren Lanier each hit 1-for-1 at the plate with two RBIs. Dayne Black also went 1-for-1 with a sacrifice-fly, plating McGee. Haley, McGee and Gatzke each had an RBI apiece. Morales recorded the sole stolen base in the game.
Game 2 of the doubleheader saw the Raptors test their skills versus the Farmington Rivercats and emerge victorious, 4-2.
McGee provided the Cortez fans with a stellar performance, pitching the full seven innings in victory. McGee recorded three strikeouts with four walks, six hits and gave up just two runs.
Haley and Roberson had one RBI and one stolen base each. McGee also recorded a stolen base.
However, on Wednesday, the Raptors suffered their first loss of the season against the Stillwater Wildcats, 7-6. Gatzke took the loss on the mound, while administering four strikeouts, six walks and six hits.
In the first inning, Gatzke launched a two-run double to right-center field. Whyte also had two RBIs in the second inning with a shot to center field. Roberson recorded an RBI with a sac-fly to left field in the fourth inning. Robersons blast sent home Martinez. Laymon would add another RBI to his season total. Castillo stole the lone base for the Raptors.
Cortez will see action again today in a doubleheader versus the Farmington Brewers and Shiprock As.