If you are fortunate enough to pick up a blue trophy in the state of NM in any New Mexico Activities Association championship game— in the background, you’ll hear the song… “We are the Champions” being played. Only a select few out of thousands of competitive athletes every year hear that song. It is reserved for champions. That song is now echoing in the 2024 Grants High School baseball team’s mind as the Grants Pirates, a second seed, under the coaching and guidance of head coach Mike Furbee and his staff, have won the Nusenda Credit Union 4A state baseball championship after defeating the Artesia Bulldogs, a five seed, by score of 5-3.
“I felt overjoyed to see the players so excited when charging the field,” said Furbee “I felt redemption after two years losing in the quarter finals.”
The game ended in dramatic fashion.
Artesia scored one run quickly in the first inning, followed by the Pirates scoring two runs of their own in that first inning, 2-1 Pirates up. The Pirates and Bulldogs scored two runs apiece in the second inning for a 4-3 Pirate lead. In the third inning, the Pirates scored a run to make the score 5-3, which stayed until the game ended.
The Bulldogs made a bold run at the top of the seventh inning– they had, after all, defeated number 1 seeded Goddard Rockets (23-7,8-1) the previous night. They knew what needed to be done to pull this game out–they were trailing by two runs; they had been there before.
The Pirates also knew what they had to do. They, themselves, had just come off a big win of their own defeating their nemesis, the Academy Chargers (18-11,6-2) by a score of 6-5 in nine innings -also the night before.
Back to that dramatic finish.
The Bulldog’s at bat in the seventh inning, Jett Fuentes singled to left field. He was followed by Jett Whitmire who singled a line drive to left field. Fuentes advanced to second base and Whitmire to first.
Bulldogs begin to make their run.
Pirate catcher Diego Lopez has other plans for the Bulldogs run.
Lopez forced the first two outs of that inning. The first out came after reeling in a foul pop fly ball from Nye Estrada, which seemed to take forever to drop–the stadium was silent as it hung in the air, the sound of eyes trying to locate the falling ball.
A thud and raised hand indicated it was caught. “You’re out” shouted the home plate umpire. One out two to go!
The second out came after Lopez’s quick eye and even quicker throw to third baseman Dominick Gonzles, to catch Fuentes stealing third – another out! This was the second out— one to go!
Pirate pitcher, Izeyah Manzaneres, who actually pitched a great game, pegs Bulldog Frankie Galindo, who then walks to first base and Whitmire advances to second base.
The tension builds in both dugouts and in the stands as the breeze picks up.
Then, Bulldog Jack Byers, who had an RBI against Goddard, hits a short line drive to center field where junior Boudy Melonas had to dive for the ball and catch it – meanwhile, two runners from Artesia advanced–if he drops it and they score Artesia ties it up. If he catches it—game over—Pirates win. It was a diving low catch, so everyone watching had to squint their eyes and look several hundred yards down to center field in the midday sun.
Did he catch the fly? Yessir he did!
With that catch, the Pirates had made three outs. With two runners on base, and down 5-3, Artesias' last rally to tie or win was swallowed up by Melones’s catch.
PIRATES WIN!
Teammates swarm Melonas at center field—time to fire the cannons and start collecting their gold booty and queue the song, because… “We are the champions!”
“Once I saw the ball coming in my direction, I knew from the jump I was gonna dive for it—when I got up and looked at my glove and the ball was in the tip,” said Melonas of the catch. “I jumped up and the infielders and coaches jumped—I was so excited— emotional tears started coming down my face–It feels amazing to be a state champion!”
Coach Furbee said of the game, “All three days the stands were completely packed—the spirit bus– the fans–it was absolutely amazing seeing so many people who traveled to watch these boys battle.”
Furbee also had much to say about his staff, “We have a great group of coaches who are fully committed to the program— and believe in the process.”
Furbee wrapped it all up— “These guys will remember this forever.”
Stats for the night include Izeyah Manaznares who pitched seven innings, allowed six hits, three runs, one earned run and two strikeouts.
“They were a pretty solid team, so I just let my defense work,” said Manzares of the game. “I wanted to get that blue trophy and I was anxious to get that trophy.”
Estevan Barela had one RBI, two hits, and two runs.
Manzanares had one RBI and one hit.
Gonzales had one RBI, two hits, and two runs.
Noah Lundstrom had two hits and one run.
Calub McDougle had one hit.
Boudy Melonas had one RBI and one hit.
Catcher Lopez had one hit.